Fla. Priest Takes Leave of Absence after Shoplifting Arrest

First Coast News
July 10, 2012

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/article/263698/4/Fla-priest-takes-leave-of-absence-after-shoplifting-arrest

A Catholic priest at a North Palm Beach church has taken a leave of absence after his arrest on shoplifting charges.

In a letter to parishioners at St. Clare Church dated June 30, the Rev. Giuseppe Savaia advised that he is "taking time away to tend to personal duress" at the request of the bishop.

Savaia was arrested on a grand theft charge in December after Boca Raton police said he stole an $895 picture frame from Neiman Marcus. Police said he was also arrested in connection with a theft at Sawgrass Mills in Sunrise a few days later.

Police said the Boca Raton theft was captured on surveillance video.

"I was taken into custody for one in December and not even aware of the other until this week, at which time I voluntarily surrendered myself," Savaia wrote.

Savaia maintains his innocence. He apologized to parishioners "for the embarrassment and confusion this has caused."