Office of the Attorney General
Attorney General Conway Announces Guilty Plea For Former Minister On Theft Charges

Attorney General Jack Conway and his Office of Special Prosecutions today announced the guilty plea of a former minister in Franklin, in Simpson County, on charges he stole $50,000 from his church.

Richard Bridges, 65, entered an “Alford” plea in Simpson Circuit Court today to two counts of theft over $300, two counts of forgery in the 2nd degree and one count of unlawful use of a credit card over $100. All are class D felonies. By entering the “Alford” plea, Bridges maintains his innocence, but admits the evidence against him would likely result in a conviction.

Following an investigation by Kentucky State Police, Bridges was indicted February 9, 2009 on charges he stole $50,000 from Franklin Presbyterian Church over a two year period beginning in November 2005. The Office of the Attorney General, which prosecuted the case, objected to probation and recommends Bridges serve a five year prison sentence.

“I appreciate the hard work of my Office of Special Prosecutions in the handling of this case. The defendant has not only betrayed the trust of his congregation, he has betrayed the community,” said General Conway.

Bridges remains out of jail on bond. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 17 at 9:00 a.m. Any restitution for the church will be determined by the court.