First sentenced, in his absence, to three years in prison for fraud, a priest appeared before the criminal court of Avignon (Vaucluse), this Wednesday.

According to

Le Dauphiné Libéré

, the 44-year-old man cheated 61,000 euros from his followers in Pertuis.

He also provided forgeries in writing with the presentation of a fake diploma.

For this, he pretended to help children scarred by the war in Côte d'Ivoire, his country of origin, through charitable works.

While the defendant admitted to the bar having experienced difficulties when the villagers asked him for “a lot of money”, the president of the court pointed to his eleven vehicles and his eight bank accounts.

Jail and fine

The priest, who now resides in Ile-de-France, was sentenced to one year in prison, including nine months suspended probation for two years, as well as a fine of 5,000 euros.

The man also has the obligation to work and to reimburse the sums to the victims.

He pretended to be a priest and defrauded the faithful in the Var

Justice

Haute-Savoie: A priest tried for breach of trust and abuse of weakness

  • Avignon

  • Scam

  • Priest

  • Justice