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	New Local: St. Vitus Members Shocked by Arrests New Castle News January 24, 2009 http://www.ncnewsonline.com/local/local_story_023232608.html Parishioners were surprised yesterday upon learning that a St. Vitus Church fundraiser was charged with diverting money for personal gain. State police on Thursday charged August Santillo, 50, of 404 W. Clayton St. with theft after he allegedly diverted more than $337,000 in gift cards and cash donations to support his lavish lifestyle. He posted $55,000 bond and was released the same day from the Lawrence County jail. The arrest followed an investigation covering a seven-year period of May 1, 2001, to Aug. 26, 2008. Santillo had coordinated the gift card program at the church. According to court documents, diamond rings, luxury cars including a Mercedes-Benz, an $8,000 Rolex watch and other items were seized at Santillo’s Mahoningtown house Thursday when police executed a search warrant. Various records and other items pertaining to the investigation were also obtained. Dianne Papa, who has served as St. Vitus School PTG president for four years, said she was shocked when she heard about the arrest yesterday morning. “My clock radio is tuned to the local station,” she said. “I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “This is a sad day for New Castle,” Papa said. “It’s a black eye for the community. I hope this doesn’t affect our fundraising efforts for the school.” “I was floored,” said St. Vitus church member Joe Lombardo, Union Township police chief. “I had not been aware an investigation was going.” Trooper Eric Weller of the State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation-Organized Crime Unit in Pittsburgh said yesterday additional charges could be filed against other individuals. He said he could not say when more charges would be filed or who or how many others may be involved. Lawrence County District Attorney John Bongivengo said he anticipates that Santillo’s wife, Kimberly, who had been the secretary and bookkeeper at St. Vitus parish, is expected to be charged early next week. “The evidence seized may lead to other individuals being charged,” he said. Bongivengo said Giant Eagle, which supplies various types of gift cards for fundraising by nonprofit agencies, contacted the church to question irregularities involving one individual — Santillo — and gift card accounts. The church requested that the Diocese of Pittsburgh audit its accounts. Results were provided to Bongivengo’s office and he contacted the state police, he said. Giant Eagle has offered its gift card program since 1999, according to spokesman Dick Roberts. However, he said, the grocery chain has provided fundraising opportunities via bulk purchasing for more than 20 years.
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