Former Winnipeg church administrator pleads guilty to embezzling $400K

A former employee of a Parish of Saint Bernadette on Cottonwood Roadin Winnipeg has admitted to embezzlinghundreds of thousands of dollars from the church.

Richard Frechette, head financial administrator for the Archdiocese of St. Boniface, said Leo McCaughantook about$404,000 from St. Bernadette's during his time as an employee.

• Church administrator embezzled $400K, Winnipeg police say

In January, McCaughan was charged withtheft, fraud and falsification of documents.On Tuesday, hepleaded guilty.

"It's bittersweet because it's a complex situation. There's mixed feelings," Frechette said, adding parishioners who worked with McCaughan were deeply hurt by the theft.

"People are being more careful now how the funds are being administered going forward, but it's been a traumatic experience for everyone involved."

McCaughanmanaged finances for the church between 2009 and 2015.

Manitoba's director of criminal property and forfeiture launched a civil suit to claw back the money after members of the church noticedfinancial inconsistencies during a routine audit in 2015.

"The province has done a wonderful job," Frechette said. "They've been involved in this right from the beginning."

Frechette said McCaughan spent church money on a house and vehicle, among other investments, which have since been seized.

McCaughanhas "fully co-operated" with the investigation since he was arrested, Frechette said, adding he recentlypaid back about $320,000 and plans toreturn the remainder of the money.

"I really didn't think we would be able to recover as much as we have," Frechettesaid. "We're very grateful."

Frechetteadded that hehopes McCaughan"finds his way."

"We wish him a recovery," Frechette said.