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	Woman Who Stole from Church Gets a Little Help Rezendes Receives Suspended Sentence after Bishop's Plea By Karen Florin The Day December 20, 2007 http://www.theday.com/re.aspx?re=79422986-de50-4573-9f4c-af26b63d83a0 Beverly A. Rezendes had the bishop on her side when she appeared before a New London judge Wednesday to be sentenced for stealing $20,000 from St. Mary Church in Stonington. The 62-year-old former church employee was facing up to three months in prison, but Judge Susan B. Handy gave her a fully suspended sentence, based in part on a request for leniency from Bishop Michael R. Cote of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich. "You stole from your church," the judge said. "I mean, it doesn't get much worse than that. You worked there for 13 years." Rezendes, who was standing with defense attorney Daniel Cunningham, reached for a tissue as the judge continued. "You are very fortunate that the bishop is being so charitable and the church is being so charitable, asking the court to give you a suspended sentence," Handy said. Rezendes pleaded guilty last month to stealing parishioner donations and candle money from the church to pay taxes and medical bills. The state recommended a sentence of two years in prison, suspended after 90 days served and three years of probation. Cote had sent a letter to the court to ask that Rezendes receive a suspended sentence. Rezendes had paid the church $16,000 in restitution, and the bishop's letter indicated the church considered it payment in full and had forgiven Rezendes. Handy said she took the letter into consideration along with Rezendes' lack of a criminal record and the fact that she didn't use the stolen money for gambling or drugs and made restitution. She sentenced Rezendes to two years in prison, fully suspended, and three years of probation. She ordered Rezendes to perform 100 hours of community service. Michael Stramiello, a spokesman for the diocese, said Cote's letter was not centered on how much money was "removed" and how much was returned. "The overriding sentiment was one of the bishop really expressing the sentiment of the church, which is a very forgiving body," he said. "It sounds like the sentiment was certainly well received by the judge in this case." Prosecutor Lawrence J. Tytla said he was concerned that Rezendes did not take full responsibility for the crime when she was interviewed by the Department of Probation in preparation of sentencing. Tytla said Rezendes contested the accuracy of the statement and did not acknowledge the allegations to which she had already pleaded guilty. Under a plea agreement, Cunningham had the opportunity to argue for a shorter sentence. He began his presentation by asking Rezendes to make a statement to the court. "I am sorry," Rezendes said. "I did steal the money. I admitted it to my family and my husband. I know it was wrong and should have never did it." Rezendes said her family helped her repay the church. "Now it's in my heart for me to go to St. Mary's and the bishop and tell them I'm sorry," she added. Rezendes told police she had used the stolen money to pay bills, including property and income taxes and hospital bills. Her husband, a local fisherman, has been ill. She has been working at a local grocery store and enjoys her job, according to her attorney. Cunningham said Rezendes, whose family is well known within the community, has been humiliated by the publicity. He said he does not think she will ever offend again. The thefts came to light in January, when at least 30 parishioners called the Rev. Philip Geogan, the church pastor, to say their annual giving reports were incorrect. The reports, used for tax purposes, detail how much money each parishioner places in the collection basket each week. Geogan, who has since died, did not want to believe Rezendes stole money and did not want to see her go to prison, according to church members. Rezendes told police she took collection funds over an 18-month period and stole $80 per month in candle offerings, which are donations that people make when they light candles in someone's memory. All thefts have repercussions, Tytla said, but Rezendes' crime caused contention within the church. The priest had complained to parishioners that they were not generous enough with their donations, when in fact they had been giving more than he knew. Contact: k.florin@theday.com
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