Wisconsin State Journal
December 7, 2010
http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/crime_and_courts/article_d7882232-025d-11e0-86cd-001cc4c03286.html
 |
| How did the Rev. Thomas Marr, a well-loved Watertown priest, end up charged with two felonies for allegedly deceiving dozens of parishioners into giving him tens of thousands of dollars? |
A Watertown priest charged with two felonies for allegedly stealing church funds and deceiving people into giving him money pleaded guilty Tuesday to both counts.
The Rev. Thomas Marr, 66, who led St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Watertown for 24 years, faces up to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine on each count.
However, prosecutors will recommend that Marr be "placed on probation for a period of years," according to the plea agreement. They also may request that he serve up to a year in jail, the plea agreement said. No sentencing date has been set.
Court documents in Jefferson County accused Marr of soliciting money from dozens of parishioners and friends and turning it over — perhaps as much as $613,000 — to another parishioner, Arthur Eith, who claimed to be investing the money in Nigeria. Sometimes Marr told people he needed the money to help people down on their luck. Other times he said it was for a down payment on a house for himself and another priest.
Marr's attorney, Bill Ginsberg of Madison, said Tuesday there was no question his client broke the law, but he said Marr's intent always was to repay everyone. Ginsberg maintains his client was duped by Eith.
"Father Marr is the initial and most egregious victim of Eith," Ginsberg said.
Eith has not been charged. An investigation by the state Department of Justice continues. The plea agreement says Marr understands that he "could be called upon to testify in other proceedings."
Eith, contacted at home Tuesday, said he feels horrible about what has happened to Marr but declined further comment.
The plea agreement lists 43 victims who gave Marr money. Only 13 of them, representing a combined $117,318, have requested restitution, according to the plea agreement.
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.