Taking is happier than giving, apparently thought a pastor who would have withheld a high six-figure sum from acquaintances. He wanted to help a former student. Now both are in court, the verdict was handed down on Monday evening: nine months probation for the pastor, two years for his protégé.
A now retired (no longer active) priest and his protege are on trial in Linz as of today on suspicion of serious commercial fraud. They allegedly withheld a six-figure sum from acquaintances. The ex-pastor is said to have lured almost 450,000 euros from people from his environment with false justifications and gave the 52-year-old criminal. He would have gambled away the money and even defrauded acquaintances for another 300,000 euros.
Active since 2015
According to the indictment, in the spring of 2015, the 52-year-old asked his former teacher for a loan to pay his rent. He claimed to the pastor that he had inherited and had only a temporary financial crunch. The Pfarrer apparently wanted to help the former student and in turn borrowed money from acquaintances. The Public Prosecution Service suspects him of abusing the relationship of trust with these people.
Pastor feels ‘not guilty’
The ex-pastor declared himself “not guilty as charged” and said he did not intend to harm anyone. The other defendant, on the other hand, pleaded fully guilty. He wanted to “clean up,” his lawyer announced. Accordingly, unlike previous interrogations, he now also admits that he has swindled money from several partners. If found guilty, the suspect faces up to ten years in prison. Part of the damage has now been compensated.
Statements already final
The court found the suspects guilty on some counts and acquitted on others. In essence, the jury sentenced the pastor to nine months for serious fraud and the 52-year-old to an additional two years for serious and commercial fraud. In addition, the two must pay large amounts to the injured party.
The former pastor is entitled to claims of more than 50,000 euros from private parties, the other suspect more than 270,000 euros and both together another 28,300 euros. Both statements are final.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
