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	Rodis Attorney Says the Matter Is a Church Issue By Ellen Biltz The Free Lance-Star July 20, 2007 http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2007/072007/07202007/301743 Louisa (VA) — An attorney for a Catholic priest indicted on 13 counts of embezzlement asked yesterday that the charges be dismissed, saying the case is a church issue. Rodney Lee Rodis, 51, is accused of taking up to $1 million from St. Jude and Immaculate Conception Catholic churches in Louisa County, where he was a priest for 13 years. Rodis' attorney, John Maus, filed a motion last week, saying the state exceeded its authority by involving itself in a church matter. He cited Virginia law, saying the state is "prohibited from entangling itself in internal church matters. Specifically with regard to church finances." Louisa Commonwealth's Attorney Don Short said he was waiting for a follow-up memo from Maus about the legal authority he cited. But Short said he didn't "expect the First Amendment to provide any immunity for a criminal investigation." Short said he doubted the charges would be dismissed. "This is what judges get paid to do--to carefully consider the aspects of the case," he said. "So I'll probably reserve that decision for the judge." Maus said he hopes the judge will dismiss the charges soon. "If they're going to be dismissed, why wait till October," he said. Rodis is being held without bond at Central Virginia Regional Jail. His trial is scheduled to begin Oct. 1. Ellen Biltz: 540/374-5424 Email: ebiltz@freelancestar.com
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