Pastor pleads guilty to federal fraud

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A Batesburg-Leesville church pastor pleaded guilty last week to embezzling $105,519 from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

William C. Padgett entered the plea in U.S. District Court on March 17, according to federal court documents. He was indicted in November.

Padgett had submitted claims in February 2008 to the VA, claiming he was unable to work due to post-traumatic stress disorder, and he began receiving veterans and Social Security benefits. However, he continued to serve as a church pastor and raise chickens on his farm, the indictment said.

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Friday, Mar. 25, 2011

Thursday, Mar. 24, 2011

-- Noelle Phillips

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Friday, Mar. 25, 2011

Thursday, Mar. 24, 2011

Pastor pleads guilty to federal fraud

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-- Noelle Phillips

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