New Haven couple enter plea deals in thefts from Abbey of Gethsemani
NC GAZETTE / WBRT RADIO
STAFF REPORT
Friday, Oct. 31, 2014 — WKYT in Lexington is reporting that the former accountant for the Abbey of Gethesemani and his wife 
have entered guilty pleas in connection with theft charges against them for stealing more than $1 million from the monastic order.
John Edward “Josh” Hutchins, 39, and his wife, Carrie Lee Hutchins, 44, of New Haven, were indicted in May after more than $1 million came up missing from religious order’s mail-order business. Hutchins was an accountant with the order up from 2007 until February 2014, when the thefts were discovered. The thefts took place between December 2008 and February of this year.
WKYT reported that John Hutchins agreed to a 20-year prison sentence. His wife will get a 12-month sentence, conditionally discharged after two years.
The Hutchinses must make restitution of $600,000 to the Abbey of Gethsemani and forfeit $42,000 seized from their bank account as well as their home, two vehicles, two widescreen TVs, six watches and exercise equipment.
Final sentencing is set for Wednesday, Dec. 17 in Nelson Circuit Court.
-30-
