Des Moines woman sentenced in church embezzlement

A Des Moines woman has been sentenced in Polk County Court  after pleading guilty to stealing money from the church where she worked.  

Polk County Judge Robert Hanson ordered Carol Padget to serve two consecutive, five year terms for her felony convictions- suspended.   

She was also ordered to pay back nearly 59-thousand dollars to Unity Evangelical Lutheran Church, (1450 E. 33rd Street) and perform 80-hours of community service, and serve two years probation.

During sentencing Padget apologized for her actions, calling them "deplorable."

Her apology came after a powerful victim impact statement from Pastor Donna Joseph, who began by describing her feelings and those of parishioners, as "angry, disgusted, sad, and betrayed."   

Pastor Joseph addressed Padget, saying "You used and abused the church, and only the Lord knows how much you stole, but likely $59 thousand dollars doesn't cover it."  

She described Padget's actions as "selfish" and suggested she missed classes covering the Ten Commandments, and that "money became your false God, and love of money is the root of all evil."

The Pastor described how Padget informed the church, it was having money problems, which forced cuts in salaries and charitable donations.  She ended her remarks by saying "You are a sinner Carol, but we are all repentant, and I have and will continue to pray for you to repent and become a true Christian, I'm still your pastor and would be happy to hear your confession.

Judge Robert Hansen remarked during sentencing that the Pastor's statement was the most remarkable he had ever heard a member of the clergy deliver in his courtroom.  

 Judge Hansen remarked to Padget, "You have have been brought down to the bottom, the court system is the great equalizer."  

"You committed a betrayal, and have hit people right where they hurt the most."

Afterward, Pastor Joseph told WHO-Radio News she was glad the ordeal is over, and the congregation has been so depressed and it's been burden.  

She says however, she's grateful to the support of other churches for donations.

Unity Evangelical Lutheran has set up a GO FUND ME account as it works to restore financial stability.

Unity Evangelical Lutheran Church member, Marlon Mormann says he hopes other churches and non-profit groups learn from this hard lesson, saying "If they get in the same situation, they just have to bite the bullet and come out and report it to the police and follow the process."


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