BishopAccountability.org
	Closing Arguments Expected in Fla. Priest's Trial By Associated Press, carried on WWSB February 23, 2009 http://www.mysuncoast.com/Global/story.asp?S=9887893&nav=menu577_2_1 WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) - Closing arguments are expected in the trial of a Florida priest charged with embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from his church. The Rev. Francis Guinan has pleaded not guilty. He is accused of stealing $488,000 from St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church in Delray Beach to fund a lavish lifestyle. Attorneys were set to give closing arguments Monday morning. Guinan testified last week that church money he spent on trips to Las Vegas and rounds of golf was "a small compensation" for his service. The 66-year-old priest says that, under the rules of canon law, he had discretion to spend money. Prosecutors say he took seven trips to Las Vegas, three trips to the Bahamas, traveled to Ireland and stayed in luxury hotels.
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.