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	Ohio: Diocese’s Ex-accountant Is Guilty of Tax Charges Associated Press, carried in New York Times July 4, 2008 http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/04/us/04brfs-DIOCESESEXAC_BRF.html?_r=1&ref=us&oref=slogin A federal jury convicted the former top accountant at the Cleveland Catholic Diocese of tax charges, but acquitted him of more serious charges related to kickback accusations. The jury in the trial of the man, Joseph H. Smith, 51, had been deliberating for nearly two weeks. The prosecution portrayed Mr. Smith as a manipulator who arranged $785,000 in kickbacks and secret payments because he felt he was underpaid. He was acquitted of more serious charges of mail fraud related to the alleged kickbacks, but convicted of six tax-related charges. A judge had earlier dismissed money laundering charges. Sentencing was set for Oct. 3. He faces a maximum of 20 years in prison.
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