COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—The lawyer for a Colorado pastor accused of stealing from his former church says church officials knew he was using the money for his children’s education in lieu of getting raises.
The claim came Thursday in a sentencing hearing for Don Armstrong, who decided not to contest theft charges but maintains he is innocent. The hearing is expected to end Friday.
Prosecutors want Armstrong to pay $291,000 in restitution, which they say he took from Grace Episcopal Church and St. Stephen’s Parish in Colorado Springs without authorization.
Prosecutors say there is no proof Armstrong had permission to use church funds for his children’s education.
Armstrong pleaded no contest to felony theft and submitted an Alford plea to a misdemeanor theft count, acknowledging a jury might convict him.
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Information from: The Gazette,
