News

On December 18, 2024, Fr. Ignazio Medina, a retired priest of the Diocese of Jefferson City, was sentenced to three months in federal prison and to pay a $7,500 fine. 

Fr. Medina had pleaded guilty to federal charges on July 9, 2024, relating to interstate transportation of stolen property. The stolen property belonged to St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, a parish where Fr. Medina served as pastor during the years 2012-2021.

Utilizing accounting protocols established by the diocese, the parish discovered the theft of funds, reported concerns to the diocese and the diocese notified law enforcement. The stolen money was later returned. A full account of the diocesan investigations and church trial regarding Fr. Medina has been previously shared by the diocese and remains available at this link. 

Fr. Medina continues to be permanently barred from holding any ecclesiastical office and from hearing confessions. He is also forbidden from publicly celebrating or concelebrating Mass without permission from the Most Reverend W. Shawn McKnight, Bishop of Jefferson City. 

“I pray that this serves as a sobering reminder that while we measure our actions against the laws of God and our faith, our leaders and institutions are also accountable to the laws of our state and nation,” said Bishop McKnight. “Let us continue to fortify our Church by acting with the highest standards of integrity, transparency and justice in every aspect of our ministry — safeguarding our work so that it reflects both our values and our duty as members of society.”