A former Methodist pastor accused of bilking $121,000 from the estate of a parishioner pleaded guilty Wednesday to federal income tax evasion.
Jack F. Emerick, 67, the former spiritual leader of Grace United Methodist Church in Harrison, faces up to six years in prison when he is sentenced Aug. 25 by U.S. District Court Judge Gustave Diamond.
Emerick, of the Natrona Heights neighborhood in Harrison, was executor of the estate of James Blackwell, who died in 2001.
Federal prosecutors said Emerick took money that should have gone to the church in accordance with Blackwell's wishes. Emerick maintained that Blackwell owed him the money for back rent. If the judge determines that Emerick stole the estate money, the sentence likely will be harsher.
Tribune-Review
1 comment:
this is my church and Mr Emerick's responsibility to the church now is to make restitution..we are still struggling financially...He should have to pay back any monies he stole from the church...I wonder how those who preach Christianity and practice evil will fair with God's mercy or God's wrath??? Still Jack has not been remorseful....
I am waiting for info about his sentencing that should have occurred aug 25th.
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