Sister Marie Thornton Admits Embezzling $850K From Iona College
NEW YORK (AP/CBSNewYork) -- A Catholic nun who ran a Westchester County college's finances has admitted to stealing more than $850,000 from the school.
The U.S. Attorney's Office said Sister Marie Thornton, former Vice President of Finance for Iona College in New Rochelle, pleaded guilty to embezzlement in Manhattan federal court Wednesday.
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Prosecutors said the 63-year-old nun submitted false invoices and had Iona pay her credit card bills. Iona reported the theft in 2009 but did not publicly identify a suspect.
Thornton's lawyer told The Journal News his client accepts full responsibility for her actions.
Thornton faces up to 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 when she is sentenced May 13.
College officials said they had implemented new procedures following the theft.
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