By Pierre Bonny
WPIX
June 3, 2009
http://www.wpix.com/news/wpix-pastor-indicted-white-plains060309,0,93391.story
 |
| According to prosectors Dunne, 63, was indicted on stealing $430,000 from in Our Lady of Sorrows Church in White Plains. |
According to prosecutors, the former White Plains pastor used stolen money for personal expenses
WHITE PLAINS ( WPIX) -- A White Plains pastor has been indicted for stealing over $400,000 from his church.
Rev. Patrick Dunne, 63, pleaded not guilty in Westchester County Court Wednesday morning to charges he stole $432,000 from Our Lady of Sorrows Church.
He was arraigned on an indictment of one count of grand larceny in the second degree, a felony that carries up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
Dunne, who served as a priest for the church since 1991 is accused of stealing money from the church over a six year period from January 2002 to December 2007.
Prosecutors say Dunne diverted money that was donated by parishioners for several church funds including a collection for Hurricane Katrina victims and a church building fund.
His attorney, Richard Ferrante, said Dunne wants to resolve the case as soon as possible.
"He dedicated his life to helping other people," Ferrante told reporters outside the courtroom. "He's eager to resolve this matter and move on and continue helping people."
Authorities claim Dunne used the stolen money for his personal expenses and recreation without the permission or authority to do so. They also say he stole money from an account that had been set up to pay clergy members who came to the church to celebrate mass.
Ferrante, a parishioner at Dunne's former church, has conceded that his client had a gambling addiction and said Dunne was currently enrolled in an outpatient treatment program.
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.