The former treasurer of Reidland United Methodist Church, Gregory Siener, was denied shock probation on Friday after serving six months of a seven-year prison sentence for embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from the church.
Siener was convicted in January of theft by unlawful taking after stealing between $300,000 and $400,000 over a period of five to six years. The funds were taken from both the church’s general fund and its preschool accounts.
At the hearing, Siener’s attorney argued that his client had shown genuine remorse and claimed that the time already served had profoundly changed him. The attorney also said that Siener was committed to paying back the stolen funds.
The Commonwealth strongly opposed the request, citing Siener’s extended dishonesty and the serious financial harm inflicted on the church. Prosecutors argued that probation would not reflect the gravity of the crime.
A representative from Reidland United Methodist Church addressed the court, stating the church council’s firm opposition to shock probation. The representative spoke of the emotional, spiritual, and financial damage caused by Siener’s betrayal, emphasizing that the congregation continues to struggle with the aftermath.
Judge Tony Kitchen ultimately denied the motion for probation. In his ruling, he stated that six months of incarceration was insufficient given the extent of the crime and noted that Siener must face full accountability for his actions.
