Ex-Church Consultant Admits to Embezzlement
A former consultant to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York has pleaded guilty to fraud, tax evasion and obstruction of justice charges stemming from a $2-million kickback and embezzlement scheme.
Joseph DeRusso admitted in federal court that he took part in a plot that diverted $1 million in funds meant for food programs for parochial schoolchildren, and that he took more than $1.2 million in kickbacks from vendors doing business with the church. Under a plea agreement, he will probably spend up to six years in prison.
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