New Castle pair given prison for stealing $500,000

A Lawrence County couple have been sentenced to prison for stealing nearly $500,000 in cash and gift cards from a church.

Officials say August Santillo, 52, was a fundraiser and his wife, Kimberly, 49, was a secretary and bookkeeper at St. Vitus Parish of New Castle. Prosecutors say August Santillo took money for the church and used it to buy jewelry, a car and other personal items.

August Santillo was sentenced to up to 5 years in state prison and Kimberly Santillo was sentenced to up to 3 1/2 years. The couple were ordered to pay more than $471,000 in restitution.

August Santillo pleaded guilty to theft by unlawful taking and theft by deception. His wife pleaded guilty to conspiracy and theft by deception.