BishopAccountability.org
	Retired Bishop Testifies in Church Kickback Case Associated Press, carried in WTOL May 29, 2008 http://www.wtol.com/Global/story.asp?S=8396674 CLEVELAND - The retired Roman Catholic bishop of Cleveland has testified at the trial of a former top church accountant accused of receiving $785,000 in kickbacks. Bishop Anthony M. Pilla (PIHL'-uh) testified Thursday that he was unaware of any such backdoor payments by outside contractors. He called the defendant, 51-year-old Joseph Smith, a highly valued and respected co-worker and said he was shocked to learn of the alleged kickbacks. The defense says the alleged payments were part of a pattern of secret church accounts. The church says it was a victim in the alleged embezzlement. A co-defendant was convicted last fall and is awaiting sentencing.
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