YANKTON, S.D.(WNAX)- A former church employee pleaded guilty to embezzling $324,000 from two Catholic parishes in Tabor and Lesterville.
Steven Bares  (bar-ish) appeared last week in federal court where he pleaded guilty to one felony count of wire fraud. Bares initially pleaded not guilty but changed his plea during the hearing.

Matt Althoff, Chancellor of the Sioux Falls Catholic Diocese met with members of the parishes last week. He says they have a real sense of loss.

Althoff says its personal to the people of those churches.

Althoff says the parish priests will continue to offer guidance and help.

Bares will be sentenced later for the thefts from St. Wenceslaus Church in Tabor and St. John the Baptist Church in Lesterville.