State Attorney: No Proof of Deception by Catholic Priest

By Jaclyn Bevis,
NBC 2
October 31, 2016

http://www.nbc-2.com/story/33533965/state-attorney-no-proof-of-deception-by-catholic-priest

[with video]

The State Attorney's Office said there's no proof of deception or intimidation in an investigation into a Catholic priest who may have swindled an elderly parishioner.

The Diocese of Venice announced Father Christopher Senk is on paid leave. Senk's attorney said he doesn't understand the timing of the decision by the diocese or the release of information to the media.

Senk was accused of exploiting an elderly woman in the church. The Diocese reported an investigation that started in January 2015 conducted by the Lee County Sheriff's Office.

The State Attorney's Office said they determined no criminal charges were appropriate, saying the parishioner willingly gave money and was not deceived by Father Senk.

The church denied a request for comment. The Diocese of Venice refused to answer further questions about the investigation or Senk's current status.

Father Senk is still listed as the pastor of St. Isabel Catholic Church on Sanibel Island.

The Lee County Sheriff's Office has not reported the status of their investigation.