Superior Diocese priest gets probation for stealing from church

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 misdemeanor 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.

Eau Claire LT