Sister Barbara Markey Pleads Guilty For Money Stealing

She pleaded guilty yesterday, and admits to having gambled most of the money away, while using the rest for gifts and trips.

Curiously, a June 30, 2007 article in the Omaha-World Herald, says Ms. Markey was originally accused of stealing $820,000.

The 73-year-old nun Sister Barbara Markey is an internationally known clinical psychologist who helped develop the FOCCUS marriage-preparation program. She was fired in 2006 as Director of the Catholic Family Life office.

Source: By Was That My Outside Voice

The Archdiocese of Omaha released a statement of satisfaction with Sister Barbara Markey's guilty plea.

The Archdiocese of Omaha is satisfied with Sister Barbara Markey�s guilty plea to theft by deception today in Douglas County District Court. The case relates to funds taken from the Archdiocesan Family Life Office and FOCCUS, Inc., a Nebraska non-profit corporation affiliated with the Archdiocese, while Sister Markey was the director. Financial irregularities discovered in 2006 resulted in Sister Markey�s termination.

The Archdiocese is finalizing a settlement agreement resolving civil lawsuits related to the case. Under the agreement, Sister Markey will make restitution of $125,000 to the Archdiocese and the Archdiocese will not object to any recommendations that Sr. Markey be sentenced to probation.

Rev. Joseph Taphorn, Chancellor of the Archdiocese, says it was clear that the Archdiocese would not recover all of the missing funds. Taphorn added, �Sister Markey�s willingness to plead guilty and make some restitution will hopefully bring this matter to a close. We�re ready to move on.�

Source: Archdiocese of Omaha News