A priest stole funds from a Maryland church where he served as pastor, according to an indictment unsealed Thursday.
John S. Mattingly, 70, deposited charitable checks from St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church into his own account, then transferred the funds into his personal retirement account, according to the indictment. He’s also accused of writing checks from the Leonardtown church’s account payable to himself and deposited them into his retirement account.
"We were shocked. I felt like someone had kicked me in the stomach," said Lynn Delahay, a longtime member of the church.
Mattingly served as pastor at the church from 1994 until September 2010. The alleged scheme took place over his last four years at the church, according to the indictment.
Mattingly allegedly deposited more than 500 checks written by more than 135 parishioners totaling at least $76,000, according to the indictment.
He is charged with 20 counts of bank fraud. Each count carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.
