Sentencing of Nym Priest Postponed to Secure Funds

By Amanda Fries
The Observer-Dispatch
March 7, 2012

http://www.uticaod.com/news/x1160495697/Sentencing-of-NYM-priest-postponed-to-secure-funds

Rev. Valentine Krul, 61, of Forestport -- a longtime pastor at the Church of the Sacred Heart and St. Mary Our Lady of Czestochowa in New York Mills -- pleaded guilty in Oneida County Court on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012, to second-degree grand larceny for stealing more than $87,000 in church funds for personal expenses, including buying a condominium in Florida. Krul will face 6 months in jail and 5 years of probation.

The sentencing of a New York Mills priest was adjourned Wednesday in order to secure more funds for restitution.

Valentine Krul, 61, of Forestport, arrived in Oneida County Court Judge Barry Donalty’s courtroom in an orange jumpsuit, only to be quickly ushered out minutes later after Krul’s attorney Bill Borrill asked for the adjournment.

Krul is due back in court April 26 for sentencing.

“Hopefully we’ll have a check for a portion of (the restitution),” Borrill said after court was adjourned.

Krul pleaded guilty to second-degree grand larceny for stealing more than $87,000 from the Church of the Sacred Heart and St. Mary Our Lady of Czestochowa in New York Mills between October 2008 and January 2011.

Whenever the collection was taken at the church, Krul was using the money to live a better life, including buying a condominium in Florida, rather than the charity money benefiting the church.

The thefts were discovered last year during a routine audit after Krul asked for a leave of absence, First Assistant District Attorney Michael Coluzza said.

Krul currently has been serving six-months in county jail since his plea. He is expected to be sentenced to five years of probation, including jail time.

Borrill said he’s been working with Krul to sell personal assets in order to come up with the money.