Friday, May 30, 2008

Retired bishop testifies in church kickback case

The retired Roman Catholic bishop of Cleveland has testified at the trial of a former top church accountant accused of receiving $785,000 in kickbacks.

Bishop Anthony M. Pilla testified Thursday that he was unaware of any such backdoor payments by outside contractors.

He called the defendant, 51-year-old Joseph Smith, a highly valued and respected co-worker and said he was shocked to learn of the alleged kickbacks.

The defense says the alleged payments were part of a pattern of secret church accounts.

The church says it was a victim in the alleged embezzlement.

A co-defendant was convicted last fall and is awaiting sentencing.
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