Friday, June 30, 2006

71-year-old nun arrested; spent $300,000 of church money on casinos, gifts, travel

A 71-year-old nun who co-wrote a popular marriage-preparation program was arrested on charges of improperly spending more than $300,000 US on casinos, gifts and air travel.

Sister Barbara Markey, who was fired in January as director of the Omaha Archdiocese's family life office, turned herself in Wednesday and was released on her own recognizance.

According to the arrest warrant, an audit found that Markey spent $307,545 for her own use or without documentation.

Markey was charged with theft by deception, a felony punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.

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