Even though people are supposed to assume that any person is innocent until proven guilty, there are just some people whom you would more naturally presume are innocent over others. An example of such a person is a nun. That being true, a notable case came up outside of North Carolina: A nun is charged with grand larceny.
This theft suspect isn’t just any nun; she’s been a nun for about 50 years, having built up a support system within her parishes that is surprised by the serious criminal allegation. The 67-year-old nun is accused of taking more than $100,000 from the church and charged with second-degree grand larceny. She has pleaded not guilty to the felony charge.
Monday’s arrest came after an ongoing investigation into financial concerns within the church apparently pointed to the longtime nun. The alleged stealing reportedly happened over the course of several years, with church donation money going missing. The mere charge against the nun moved the church to place her on leave and ask her to attend counseling for what it believes may be a gambling addiction.
That’s the thing about becoming a criminal suspect, no matter who you are or your past. Allegations can lead to more than just a conviction and sentencing. They can lead to consequences that can strike even a more emotional, personal chord. A person doesn’t devote her life to the church for 50 years without that work being the core of who she is. For some, the loss of their job can feel like the worst punishment of all.
Grand larceny means that a defendant is accused of stealing property worth more than $1,000. The crime is a felony, which means that jail time of more than a year is possible.
Source: The Daily News, “Nun accused of stealing $128,000 from Kendall, Holley churches,” Scott DeSmit, Nov. 6, 2012
We work with people who are facing criminal charges for larceny, like the woman in this story. Please visit our website’s felony and misdemeanor charges page if you would like to learn more about our Raleigh, North Carolina, practice.
