The fate of a former Tecumseh priest is now in the hands of a jury.
Closing submissions began Wednesday morning in the case of Robert Couture, a former priest at Ste. Anne Roman Catholic Church who is facing one count of theft over $5,000.
The jury began deliberating Wednesday afternoon
In court Wednesday, defence lawyer Patrick Ducharme spoke to the jury, recapping Couture's testimony that he “did not steal any money from the parish."
Essex County OPP completed a lengthy investigation dating back to 2002. Police say a financial audit of the parishes’ accounts yielded about $180,000 in irregularities.
Officials from Ste. Anne Parish notified the OPP in August of 2011, regarding an internal theft that occurred between 2002 and 2010.
Couture’s trial started on Nov. 24.
CTV reporter Stefanie Masotti has more from the courthouse:
