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Ex-West Chicago church deacon expected to stay in jail in theft case

The ex-deacon of a West Chicago church beset with recent troubles is expected to remain in jail on charges he pocketed more than $315,000 from the parish.

George Valdez, 58, made his first court appearance this morning since being accused in a 30-count felony indictment of stealing from St. Mary's Church between September 2006 and September 2009. He also served as the church's business manager.

His bond remains at $300,000, meaning Valdez must post the required 10 percent to be set free. His attorney, Nicholas Kirkeles, said Valdez was made aware of the investigation several months ago and voluntarily surrendered Wednesday. Valdez is not expected to immediately post bail, Kirkeles said.

"He knew this was going to be coming at some point," Kirkeles said. "Obviously, he's very embarrassed for his family. Right now, we have to look at all the evidence to see what's there."

Valdez's arrest comes at an already difficult time for parishioners.

A Shorewood priest, Alejandro Flores, 37, is facing Kane County charges after being accused of molesting a St. Charles boy during a five-year period that began while the man was a seminarian at St. Mary's. Furthermore, St. Mary's school also will close this summer due to nearly $730,000 in debt.

Church pastor Rev. John Balluff referred to the bad news in St. Mary's Easter bulletin.

"The diocese is self insured and we will be reimbursed for the full amount of the theft," he wrote. "We have had a lot to deal with this past year. I extend my sympathies to all who are suffering grief from the events."

The theft scheme began to unravel last summer after the parish installed Balluff as its new pastor and a routine audit was conducted. Valdez was fired shortly afterward.

Prosecutor Helen Kapas-Erdman said Valdez issued himself unauthorized fraudulent checks from St. Mary's bank account; he also used the parish credit card for personal purchases. He spent the money on tickets to attend White Sox and Bears games, hotel stays and to enroll his family in the diocesan health plan without monthly salary deductions, the indictment alleges.

Valdez, of the 800 block of Gates Street in West Chicago, faces six to 30 years in prison if convicted.

He is charged with theft over $100,000, continuing a financial crimes enterprise, theft and wire fraud.

Valdez does not have a prior criminal record. The married grandfather is due back in court April 7. If he posts bail, Valdez is barred from entering St. Mary's property.

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