14 DAY TRIAL // Reverend William Blasingame of Staten Island, NY was so desperate to turn back the hands of time that, for many consecutive years, he had been ripping off his own parish by stealing money from the emergency fund to pay for Botox and plastic surgery, the New York Post informs. The priest now stands to be sentenced to 15 years in jail for the estimated $85,000 that has gone missing from the church’s funds.
“The Rev. William Blasingame, 66, a fixture at the historic St. Paul’s Memorial Episcopal Church for more than 30 years, began breaking the Eighth Commandment in January 2005 and continued to steal for another three years, according to the Staten Island district attorney. The unwed Blasingame’s miraculous makeovers apparently impressed some of the older members of his congregation.” The Post says.
Apparently, the priest first started to take money from the emergency fund of the church to get Botox. Later on, he also underwent cosmetic surgery, bought fancy clothes and accessories, and even used some of the money to pay his car insurance. The police discovered that the reverend constantly took out money of the fund that the parishioners set up for “maintenance, upkeep and beautification” of the church and the surrounding grounds.
Police officials revealed that Blasingame was also taking money from another fund, set up by parishioners as well, that was meant specifically for those in need. “Officials said that in addition to clothes and surgery, Blasingame used some of the stolen money to pay off his car insurance. Motor-vehicle records show the registration on his 1987 Volvo was suspended twice, in 2003 and in 2006, for insurance lapses. Blasingame is listed as a scofflaw with the New York City Parking Violations Bureau with a case that is still listed as ‘active.’ Sources said he also used the ill-gotten gains to pay for memberships to unspecified clubs.” The Post further informs.
Ironically enough, reporters also learned that, while Blasingame spent a lot of money on his own beauty and on clothes, he paid almost no attention to his own house. As reporters kept knocking on his door for a comment, they also noticed that his yard and the outside of the house were in a deplorable state, as was his 22-year-old car.
Blasingame resigned from the church earlier this year, and now stands to be sentenced to 15 years in jail for second-degree grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property.