by: Mike Miller
10/26/2016

Let me begin by saying that I am both a Christian with a firm respect for priests, pastors, ministers and rabbis.  It pains me greatly each time that I hear that a “man of the cloth” has committed some heinous crime.  That said, here is a perfect example.

Gambling Problem Leads to Theft

A Roman Catholic priest who acknowledged siphoning $650,000 from the bank accounts of his Las Vegas parish is trying to recover from a compulsive gambling addiction

Monsignor Kevin McAuliffe said he took the money over eight years from gift store funds, votive candle donations and the church mission.

He is sorry and wants to make restitution to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. He says he is remorseful for the hurt he has caused to all who are precious to him.

McAuliffe, 58, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to three federal mail fraud charges. He could face up to 60 years in federal prison and $750,000 in.

Robert Ragan, a friend of McAuliffe, said he met the priest in a gambling addiction treatment program in June and they bonded over their attraction to video poker.

Ragan, 27, said he talked with the priest last week and is optimistic about his recovery.

"He's staying positive about everything," Ragan said. "He's in acceptance, which is a great place to be. All he can do is move forward and make amends."

In an effort to right his wrong, the priest wants to talk about his experience after his case is resolved, in hopes that he can stop gambling from ruining the lives and relationships of others around him.

State courts in Nevada have diversion programs to steer gambling addicts toward intense treatment instead of jail. The federal courts don't have a similar program, but the state has agreed to ask the court for compassion.

Hopefully, he will be able to fulfill his duty to God and help people.  He may even be in a better place to have an effect since he too has succumbed to talons of addiction.