Va. Priest Accused of Taking Church Cash

LOUISA, Va. (AP) -- A retired Roman Catholic priest suspected of living a double life as a family man appeared in court Thursday to face accusations that he embezzled thousands from two parishes.

The Rev. Rodney L. Rodis, 50, did not enter a plea.

Rodis was indicted Jan. 8 on one count of felony embezzlement. Rodis had been pastor at St. Jude in Mineral and Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Bumpass between 1993 and May 2006.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Richmond has said Rodis embezzled more than $600,000 from his two parishes, but a state police investigator said the sum could top $1 million.

Authorities allege Rodis opened an account in a church's name, deposited donations in the account and then diverted them for personal use. Court records show that bank records seized from Rodis' home include a receipt for a service for wiring money to the Philippines, Rodis' home country.

The priest also is suspected of having a wife and children in violation of church rules because he and a woman are listed as husband and wife on a deed of trust for a mortgage. He has said they are not married, but neighbors say he referred to her as his wife.

Rodis left court without speaking to reporters.

"We're all in a state of shock and very, very disappointed," said Kathleen Pfeiffer, 63, of Mineral, a member of St. Jude who attended the hearing. "Nobody suspected this. He's just a very little, round, jovial guy."

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