Probation but no prison time for Catholic priest who embezzled $200K from California church

VISALIA (CA)
Visalia Times-Delta

August 8, 2018

By Luis Hernandez

No prison time for priest who embezzled $200K

A former reverend at Tulare’s St. Rita’s Catholic Church was sentenced Wednesday to five years of probation, a recommendation from the county’s probation department and a request from the Fresno diocese.

The sentencing was issued despite Tulare County District Attorney Tim Ward asking for a stiffer penalty.

Ignacio Villafan, 52, pleaded guilty to one felony count of grand theft of personal property with the special allegation that the financial amount was more than $200,000.

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