Former Hudson priest sentenced on theft charge

Former Hudson priest sentenced on theft charge
By Chuck Rupnow Leader-Telegram staff Leader-Telegram

A Hudson priest who resigned under allegations that he stole funds from an account used to help needy families was sentenced Thursday in St. Croix County Court.

The Rev. Daniel J. Dahlberg, 68, of Superior, who admitted to having a gambling addiction, entered into a two-year deferred prosecution agreement on a felony theft charge and was placed on probation for two years after pleading guilty to a count of misdemeanor theft.

Dahlberg, who has been receiving gambling addiction treatment, according to court records, will not be sentenced on the felony charge unless he violates conditions of the agreement.

Dahlberg already has paid $13,000 in restitution to St. Patrick Catholic Church, but was ordered Thursday to pay an additional $250. He also was ordered to continue treatment, perform 100 hours of community service and not gamble.

St. Patrick officials reported $10,800 was missing from a charity account used to help the needy. Dahlberg spoke to parishioners March 20 and resigned the next day. He had sole control of the account.

According to the criminal complaint:

The account in question was used for gasoline, rent, vehicle repairs, utility bills, food and other items of families in need.

Reports indicate that starting in August 2009 Dahlberg wrote checks and endorsed them to cash for personal use. Dahlberg told a church official in February that he used $3,500 for car repairs and gambling. An internal audit indicated $10,800 was missing and Dahlberg told police he used it for gambling.

Dahlberg came to Hudson in 2009. He previously worked in several northwestern Wisconsin communities: Rice Lake (1967-1972), Barron/Cameron (1972-1977), New Richmond (1977-1984), Iron River/Port Wing/Herbster (1985), River Falls (1985-1994), Osceola/Centuria/Balsam Lake (1994-1998) and Superior (1998-2009).

Dahlberg was placed on administrative leave by Bishop Peter Christensen of the Catholic Diocese of Superior.