As reported by interia.pl:
Former parish priest Włodzimierz G. was sentenced to two years' imprisonment without suspension. Furthermore, the clergyman must pay a fine of six thousand zlotys and cover the legal costs.
The judgment is not final.
In turn, tokfm.pl reports that:
The money that Rev. Włodzimierz G. allegedly embezzled came from the budgets of the Ministry of Culture and the local municipality. (…) According to the indictment, G. used part of the sum to purchase cryptocurrency and withdrew the rest for himself.
The funds that, according to the prosecutor's office, the defendant misappropriated were intended for the renovation of the Basilica in Legnickie Pole and the filial church in Gniewomierz. Włodzimierz G. was the parish priest there. After irregularities were discovered in 2022, he was suspended by the Bishop of Legnica, Andrzej Siemieniewski.Andrzej Siemieniewski.
The parishioners' reaction after the scandal broke out seems surprising. Interia.pl:
The matter came to light in August 2022 and, although it was referred to the prosecutor's office, residents rallied to the priest's defense. They argued that the priest should remain in his position until his guilt was proven. They also said that he had done a lot of good for the parish. In addition, he was awarded an honorary title and the “Meritorious for the Legnickie Pole Municipality” medal.
(Headline: illustrative photo).