May 24, 2008 -- A White Plains priest was a real holy roller - using the Sunday collection plate as his own personal gambling pot, authorities charge.
The Rev. Patrick Dunne was arrested yesterday and arraigned on charges of grand larceny. He allegedly took hundreds of thousands of dollars from the Sunday donations, including aid meant for Hurricane Katrina victims.
The theft allegedly occurred from 2002 to 2007, while Dunne was at Our Lady of Sorrows.
Church leaders in March called Dunne a compulsive gambler, and Westchester DA Janet DiFiore said he used the money for recreation and personal expenses.
But lawyer Richard Ferrante said Dunne "was not doing anything for personal gain" and that people should withhold judgment "until they hear or see all the evidence."
Dunne could get up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
http://www.nypost.com/seven/05242008/news/regionalnews/gambling_rev_runs_out_of_luck_112309.htm
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