Statement - Former diocesan chief finance and legal officer Joseph H. Smith sentenced

On August 16, 2006, Joseph H. Smith, former chief finance and legal officer of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland was indicted by a federal grand jury in connection with an alleged kickback scheme that federal authorities believed netted him nearly $785,000.

The 23 count indictment alleged that Smith conspired to defraud the Cleveland Diocese and falsified tax returns and other documents.  Smith was found guilty on six tax-related charges including conspiracy to defraud the Internal Revenue Service on July 3, 2008.

Smith was sentenced today, December 11, 2008, to one year and one day in federal prison.

Read the complete Diocese of Cleveland statement>