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	'Father Bob' Facing Deadline Priest Accused of Theft Has a Month to Decide If He Wants to Take Plea Deal, Three Years in Prison By Tom Quigley The Express-Times [Belvidere PA] January 19, 2007 http://www.pennlive.com/news/expresstimes/nj/index.ssf?/base/news-4/1169183140322630.xml&coll=2 The former pastor of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Washington charged with stealing nearly $1 million from his church has a month to decide if he'll accept a plea bargain and face three years in prison. Warren County Prosecutor Thomas S. Ferguson said Thursday the plea offered to the Rev. Robert Ascolese, known to his former parishioners as "Father Bob," would remain on the table until Feb. 21, when the priest is next scheduled to appear in court. "It's fish or cut bait on the 21st of February," said Warren County Assistant Prosecutor Craig Barto, who is representing the state. Ferguson said Ascolese and his attorney, James Nolan, of Woodbridge, N.J., requested more time to examine documents related to the charges. Superior Court Judge John Pursel granted the request. A second sticking point in the plea negotiations involves charges against Hampton residents William and Stella Quilban, who allegedly helped Ascolese obtain phony grant money from the Merck Partnership for Giving Program. The couple's plea deal calls for admittance into a pretrial intervention program in exchange for their testimony against Ascolese. Washington attorney Thomas P. Fischer, who represents William Quilban, said the couple is not willing to testify against their former pastor. That could become a moot point if the priest pleads guilty next month, Fischer said. Authorities said the bulk of the stolen cash went to a failed attempt to save the parish's now-closed school and other church-related programs. It is alleged the priest stole about $650,000 from the annual St. Joseph's Powerball Raffle. He also obtained another $200,000 in matching grants from the Merck program and $75,000 in matching grants from the Johnson & Johnson's Matching Gifts Program, officials say. Ascolese is charged with multiple counts of second-degree theft in a 32-count indictment. Each second-degree charge carries a maximum 10-year prison sentence. Ascolese remains free on $75,000 bail. Jo Ann Ward, spokeswoman for the Diocese of Metuchen, could not be reached for comment. Reporter Tom Quigley can be reached at 908-475-8184 or by e-mail at tquigley@express-times.com.
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