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	Former Delray Beach Priest Suicidal, Has Cancer, Attorney Says By Brian Haas South Florida Sun-Sentinel May 19, 2009 http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/palmbeach/sfl-delray-priest-theft-p051909,0,4450940.story Less than three weeks into a 14-month prison sentence, a priest who stole from his Delray Beach church wants out. An attorney for the Rev. John Skehan is asking for him to be released on house arrest because he is suicidal and suffering from prostate cancer, court records show. Skehan, 81, began serving his prison sentence May 1 after pleading guilty to grand theft of more than $100,000. Investigators said he stole about $370,000 from St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church that he spent on vacations, homes in Florida and Ireland and other personal expenses. Attorney James Eisenberg wrote that Skehan, who is incarcerated at the Martin Correctional Institution in Indiantown, found out April 28 that he has prostate cancer. He also has diabetes and asthma. Eisenberg also said Skehan has been diagnosed with major depression, hypertension and insomnia. One doctor described him as being, "in danger of hurting himself, with increased suicidal ideations and [he] continues to discuss death and the hereafter." Doctors suggested Skehan, who is now taking anti-depressants, be monitored because he was at "significant risk" of attempting suicide. Eisenberg argued that treating Skehan's depression and cancer requires intensive care that cannot be given in a prison. Dealing with the cancer may require treatment five days a week for two months or more, he wrote. Eisenberg could not be reached Tuesday for comment. Assistant State Attorney Preston Mighdoll, who prosecuted Skehan, said his office opposes letting Skehan out of prison, but declined to discuss the details of Eisenberg's motion. "The office is opposed to the motion we stand behind the judge's sentencing on March 24," he said. "We were satisfied with that and we don't see any reason that should be altered." The Diocese of Palm Beach County didn't object to Skehan being released, but had no further comment on the request, said spokeswoman Alexis Walkenstein. Skehan's friend and predecessor at the church, the Rev. Francis Guinan, 56, is serving a four-year prison sentence after being convicted on a lesser grand theft charge after a jury trial. Skehan received a lesser sentence in part because he pleaded guilty without going to trial. Both priests raided the church's offertory, maintained off-the-book slush funds and had church accountants keep fake records of the parish's income for years, according to court testimony and records. The diocese has previously said it would seek repayment for both men's thefts. Skehan is due in court Thursday morning for a hearing on his request. Brian Haas can be reached at bhaas@SunSentinel.com or 561-243-6633.
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