A former west Michigan church deacon accused of taking cash from the
weekly offertory basket faces felony embezzlement of more than $20,000.Seventy-two-year-old Joseph Finnigan of Grand Haven pleaded not guilty Monday during his arraignment. The 11-year employee of the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Grand Haven was fired last week.
Finnigan faces a maximum 10-year prison term and possible fine. He's free on a $10,000 personal bond.
Finnigan's lawyer, James Brady, says his client has cooperated with police and church officials and "will continue to do so."
Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids officials say the embezzlement occurred over more than a year.
Father Bill Langlois tells the Grand Haven Tribune the parish feels "betrayed" but will "pray for those who injure us."
Lawyers will discuss the case Nov. 20.