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Updated: 5:40 PM Jan 15, 2007
Rodis Defends Accusations of a Secret Life
A priest accused of embezzlement is now facing allegations he led a double life.
Posted: 11:07 AM Jan 15, 2007Reporter: Lindsey Ward Email Address: lindsey.ward@wcav.tv |
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January 15, 2007
An investigation of Rodis began in November after donations made to his churches in Louisa County were not recorded.
Allegedly he opened a separate banking account in the churches name where he was able to access the money freely
“I was totally shocked when I heard about father Rodney Rodis,” said Father Gregory, for Church of the Incarnation.
This past week Virginia State Police arrested Father Rodney Rodis and charged him with one count of embezzlement.
He is accused of stealing 600-thousand dollars from two parishes, over the course five years.
“If he did in fact embezzle 600-hundred thousand dollars, we don't approve of that more than anybody else would,” said Father Gregory.
Tonight, Rodis is denying he's married to the woman living in his Fredericksburg home and that he is the father of the three children also living there.
This accusation of a double life, comes after a document included in the investigation claims he lives in a two story brick home, with his wife and kids.
Father Gregory said it would be easy for him to life a secret life, because he is no longer an active priest.
“I suppose that when he retired and he went out and moved away from diocese, I don't really know what kind of accountability there would be,” said Father Gregory.
Many people around Rodis couldn't hold him accountable to being a man of God, because many didn't even know he was a priest.
“It sounds to me he was not living in any shape like a priest at all, because I understand his neighbors did not know he was a priest, so he was living this different life,” Gregory said.
The bishop of the Richmond diocese has suspended Rodis' rights to represent the church and perform priestly duties.
Right now he is out on bond.
Rodis is scheduled to appear in court this Thursday and if convicted could face up to 20-years in prison.
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