BAKERSFIELD (CA)
The Bakersfield Californian
Posted: Monday June 6th, 2005, 11:15 PM
Last Updated: Monday June 6th, 2005, 11:22 PM
A priest scheduled to begin his tenure at a large Catholic Church in Bakersfield this month left his last appointment amid allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior and misuse of church money.
The Rev. Jean-Michael Lastiri will be joining St. Philip the Apostle Church on June 15, Monsignor Ronald Swett confirmed Monday.
Lastiri left St. Patrick's Parish in Merced in July 2004 after parishioners accused him of participating in sexual conversations on Internet chat sites and seeking gay lovers on the Web, the Merced Sun-Star reported in May.
Lastiri, who served at St. Patrick's for about 11 years, also is suspected of using parish money for personal expenses, the Sun-Star reported. Lastiri is currently under bishop's review for his spending.
Lastiri could not be reached for comment.
Posted by kshaw at June 8, 2005 08:20 AM