Milwaukee pastor sentenced for embezzling more than $30,000 from church

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A Milwaukee priest was sentenced to probation in court Friday following conviction to three counts of theft and embezzlement.

Prosecutors say Mauricio Fernandez-Boscan embezzled more than $33,000 from St. Adalbert Parish in Milwaukee, which he pleaded guilty to in court Friday. A judge handed down a sentence of two years' probation for the charges.

Court documents state the pastor used the stolen money for things like trips to Mexico and Italy, cellphone bills, a lawn mower, and more. He has been employed by the church since 2018 before being placed on leave in 2022 over concerns of excessive spending.

"There's no other way to say it. This was defrauding a charitable organization," said the prosecuting attorney, Matthew Westphal.

In his role, Fernandez-Boscan was in charge of all financial matters for the parish and school on Becher Street. In court Friday he expressed remorse for his actions.

"I want to express sincerely with all my heart that I have learned from my error, and I assure you this will never happen again," he said to the judge. He went on to say that his actions caused by immaturity and pride.

Prosecutors say Fernandez-Boscan has paid the church back the $33,000.