Adams County Priest Sentenced for Stealing from Parish

WITF
April 19, 2013

http://www.witf.org/news/2013/04/adams-county-priest-sentenced-for-stealing-from-parish.php

A Roman Catholic priest in central Pennsylvania will serve 11-1 /2 to 23 months behind bars for stealing more than $380,000 from his parish.

52-year-old former pastor Caesar Belchez transferred more than $190,000 from various accounts at St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Bonneauville to an online stock account and more than $120,000 to a personal account.

Adams County Judge Michael George also has ordered Belchez to make full restitution and serve 12 years of probation. He is eligible for work release while serving his sentence.

Belchez pleaded guilty in February to theft and access device fraud. He apologized for his actions before the sentencing.

The Diocese of Harrisburg said after his arrest that Belchez was barred from celebrating Mass and other duties.