By Lisa Ferrari
WCAV
August 22, 2007
http://www.charlottesvillenewsplex.tv/news/headlines/9321592.html
There is more trouble for the catholic priest accused of embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from two Louisa County churches.
Federal authorities have charged Father Rodney Rodis with 13 counts of mail fraud, wire fraud and money laundering. In light of the new charges, state prosecutors say they will drop their current embezzlement case against the priest.
"The federal authorities picking up and taking this case to Richmond kind of relieves us of the burden of what do we do with this priest who apparently disappointed us greatly," said Rodis' Defense Attorney Jack Maus.
 |
Maus said he would not be defending Rodis against the federal charges.
Those federal indictments tell us a little more about the case against the fallen catholic priest.
They allege Rodis launched a devious scheme to steal more than $500,000 from parishioners at two Louisa County churches. The feds say Rodis set up bank accounts, a P.O. box, and even had special stamps made for endorsing checks and that he then allegedly laundered that stolen money through the Philippians.
None of the money has yet been recovered, but the Commonwealth hopes the feds will change that.
"They have agents around the world. So that may have some impact on monies that have been alleged to have been taken to get back into coffers of the church," said Louisa County Commonwealth's Attorney Don Short.
Federal authorities also speculate what happened to that money. They say the catholic priest used it to better his life with his spouse and three biological children. Those involved in this case up to this point are still not confirming the priest's double life.
"I can't disclose at this point whether or not that I am aware or that Joyce is his wife or those are his kids," said Maus.
And Short said, "I don't know that."
State prosecutors say they will let federal prosecutors take over from here, even though it might not amount to double jeopardy if Rodis were to be tried in both courts. That's because Rodis is facing different charges in each court.
Rodis is being held at the Central Virginia Regional jail. He was originally eligible for bond, but that was revoked after Rodis left the state and violated those terms.
Contact: Lisa.Ferrari@wcav.tv
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.