Former priest dies as prisoner after embezzling from Louisa parishes

By Brandon Shulleeta
Richmond Times-Dispatch
August 20, 2014

http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/former-priest-dies-as-prisoner-after-embezzling-from-louisa-parishes/article_b9f3eeb

Former Catholic priest Rodney L. Rodis — who lived a secret life as a husband and father of three children — died as a prisoner earlier this month, after stealing at least hundreds of thousands of dollars from two Louisa County parishes.

Rodis, 58, was serving an 18-year prison sentence for embezzling money intended for church construction, tsunami relief and mission work in Haiti, among other causes. The money was used to support Rodis’ wife and children.

He also wired hundreds of thousands of dollars to his native Philippines, according to evidence presented in court leading up to convictions of 10 counts of felony theft in 2008, in addition to other related convictions.

Rodis died on Aug. 5, according to Chiles Funeral Home in Richmond. At the request of his family, a death notice was not provided, and a cause of death was not available.

Rodis wired at least $515,000 to the Philippines, according to authorities, who said at the time of the investigation Rodis bought properties there, including a three-story mansion.