MICHIGAN
The Detroit News
Candice Williams, The Detroit News December 1, 2015
Detroit — A priest who pleaded guilty to mail fraud in connection with stealing $573,000 from St. Thomas More Parish in Troy was sentenced Tuesday to 27 months in prison.
The sentence for Rev. Ed Belczak, handed down by U.S. District Judge Arthur J. Tarnow, was below sentencing guidelines and federal prosecutors’ request.
Before the sentencing, Belczak, 70, said he accepted full responsibility for his actions at St. Thomas More Parish where he was pastor for nearly 30 years.
“I was selfish,” he told the judge. “I stole money that did not belong to me.”
Belczak said he has dealt with depression and thoughts of suicide. As part of his sentence, Tarnow ordered him to undergo mental health counseling.
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