Priest to Plead Guilty to Theft by Deception Priest Turns Self in, KETV, February 12, 2007

Priest to Plead Guilty to Theft by Deception
Priest Turns Self in

KETV
February 12, 2007

http://www.ketv.com/news/10989095/detail.html

Omaha, Neb. — An attorney said credit card debt led a Catholic priest to embezzle more than $100,000 from his parish.

The Rev. Stephen J. Gutgsell will plead guilty to felony theft by deception, according to his attorney, Jim Schaefer.

Schaefer said Gutgsell will be able to pay back most of the money to St. Patrick's Parish in south Omaha by the time he is sentenced. Schaefer said friends and family have come forward to help Gutgsell pay back the church.

Gutgsell turned himself into police Monday morning. Schaefer said he was released on 10 percent of a $10,000 bail.

Schaefer said the plea could come this week but more likely the week of Feb. 23.

The Class 3 felony carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and a $25,000 fine.

Previous Stories:

• February 5, 2007: Church Moves Forward After Embezzlement Suspicion

• February 2, 2007: Archdiocese: $100K Missing, Priest Resigns