Priest Gets Probation for Stealing from Diocese

By Paula Reed Ward
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
April 19, 2012

http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-east/priest-gets-probation-for-stealing-from-diocese-632085/

A Swissvale priest will spend seven years on probation and must pay back more than $140,000 he admitted to stealing from the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

The Rev. Francis Drabiska on Wednesday pleaded guilty to one count of theft in exchange for the plea deal. The former pastor at the Word of God parish admitted to taking $143,240 from the church between 1999 and 2009 to "live a lifestyle beyond his means."

During his hearing before Common Pleas Judge Kathleen Durkin, Father Drabiska spoke briefly.

"I'd just like to take an opportunity to apologize to the Diocese of Pittsburgh and to the Word of God parish for destroying any trust, for ruining trust they had in me," he said.

His attorney, Patrick Livingston, said his client was remorseful and showed it by quickly taking responsibility for his actions.

"It's a sad day," he said. "Father has given his life to the church, and he stands before this court convicted of a very, very serious offense."

Investigators said Father Drabiska had several high-balance credit cards and used money taken from the parish collections to pay toward those. On a Macy's credit card - which he used to buy designer sportswear, sheets, dinnerware, crystal and cosmetics - there was a balance of more than $5,000.

"Father has some work to do to restore his good reputation and restore many of the good things that he's done over the years," Mr. Livingston said.

The Rev. Ronald Lengwin, a spokesman for the diocese, said the church will conduct its own investigation, and a group of advisers will make a recommendation to the bishop as to what should happen to Father Drabiska.

For now, the priest remains on administrative leave.