Luis Hernandez Visalia Times-Delta Published 9:34 p.m. UTC Aug 8, 2018 VISALIA, Calif. – A former reverend at Tulare’s St. Rita’s Catholic Church was sentenced Wednesday to five years of probation, a recommendation from the county’s probation department and a request from the Fresno diocese. The sentencing was issued despite Tulare County District Attorney Tim Ward asking for a stiffer penalty. Ignacio Villafan, 52, pleaded guilty to one felony count of grand theft of personal property with the special allegation that the financial amount was more than $200,000. He entered the plea on the fifth day of his March preliminary hearing. Villafan was removed as reverend from St. Rita’s on Jan. 22, 2012, after a lengthy investigation into the church’s finances. At the time the allegations came to light, the church was fundraising to build a new location in Tulare. During the investigation, it was determined more than $300,000 was missing. According to prosecutors, between June 1, 2005, and Jan. 21, 2012, Villafan wrote checks for his personal daily use. The checks totaled more than $195,000. In addition, Villafan gave church money to benefit family members, according to the DA’s office. The Fresno diocese said Villafan was placed on paid administrative leave and removed from all priestly duties. He was arrested on Dec. 31, 2014. More: Retired priest accused of stealing church wine More: Lawsuit accuses Michigan priest of spending embezzled funds on lavish estate In a statement, Bishop Armando Ochoa, who spoke at the sentencing hearing, said the impact of the crime Villafan was… [Read full story]
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