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	Retired Priest Learns Fate for Stealing By Emily Lenihan WIVB October 5, 2009 http://www.wivb.com/dpp/news/local/Retired_priest_learns_fate_for_stealing_20091005 [with video] CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. (WIVB) - A suspended Catholic Priest who stole more than $200,000 from his church, won't spend any time behind bars. He broke one of the ten commandments, thou shalt not steal. Norman Sullivan, 74, stole more than $213,000 while he was the pastor of the Most Holy Redeemer Parish in Cheektowaga from 2000 to 2008, when it closed. Father Sullivan just learned in court, he won't have to serve time behind bars since he paid it all back. Sullivan wouldn't speak with the media, but in court he did say, "I'm truly sorry for this folly which I created. I'm disgraced and embarrassed." Judge Russell Buscaglia said, "I'm at a loss to explain why you did what you did." Sullivan owns property in Colden, Florida and the US Virgin Islands. Prosecutors say he used some of the money he stole to fix up those properties. As part of his sentence, the judge said he can't leave western New York without the court's permission. The judge also ordered Sullivan to perform 1,000 hours of community service while he's on probation for five years. Since Father Sullivan pleaded guilty to grand larceny back in July, he's been suspended from saying Mass, administering sacraments, or even dressing as a priest. It's still unclear if or when the Bishop will reinstate him. Sullivan's attorney told the judge the suspended priest is most concerned not about his sentence in court, but about his spiritual sentence.
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