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	Double Life of 'Priest' Accused of Embezzlement Irish Independent [Virginia] January 15, 2007 http://www.unison.ie/worldnews/stories.php3?ca=30&si=1754764 A Catholic priest accused of embezzling more than US$600,000 (€464,000) from two churches in Virginia has been living a secret double life as a family man in a neighbouring county. For at least eight years, the Rev Rodney Rodis has shared a home in Fredericksburg with his "wife", Joyce, and three children. He explained his frequent absences to neighbours by saying he worked in the import-export business. In fact, Rev Rodis (50), had spent the past 14 years as pastor of the parishes of St Jude and Immaculate Conception, both in nearby Louisa County. He retired in May last year due to health problems but was investigated six months later after church officials found that a donation to the parishes had not been recorded. Rev Rodis allegedly set up a separate church bank account, into which he siphoned donations for more than five years. While court papers do not make it clear whether Rev Rodis, a Philippino, is the father of the children, who range in age from five to 20 years old, they do state he is married. Neighbours are shocked by his double life as the Catholic diocese of Richmond, which has suspended him from duties. Bev King, a former neighbour, said she was "totally dumbfounded" to hear he was a priest. , but added: "I did think there was something strange. He was always vague about what he did." Bob Hagan, another neighbour, said: "I figure the religious issues are for him to sort out and the legal issues are being sorted out for him." John Williams, a member of the Immaculate Conception's congregation, said he had always assumed Rev Rodis had lived in a small rectory near St Jude.
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