NORTH PALM BEACH (FL)
The Palm Beach Post
By Lona O’Connor
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
NORTH PALM BEACH —
A Catholic priest has left his job at St. Clare parish, pending the outcome of two shoplifting charges against him.
In a letter to parishioners dated June 30, the Rev. Giuseppe Savaia, 43, wrote, “As some of you are aware, two accusations of shoplifting have been made against me for which I maintain my innocence. Both incidents occurred in December 2011. I was taken into custody for one in December and not even aware of the other until this week at which time I voluntarily surrendered myself. That is why my name again appeared on the police record this week. I apologize to the Parish of St. Clare for the embarrassment and confusion this has caused.
“At the request of the Bishop, I am taking time away to tend to personal duress as well as to comply with the proper legal process in establishing my innocence. I ask for your prayers and understanding. Know of my prayers for all of you.”
A spokeswoman for the Diocese of Palm Beach confirmed that Savaia took time off to deal with the two cases.
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