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Pastor Uses Church Funds For Plastic Surgery

A pastor accused of using church funds to pay for plastic surgery says he will sell land he owns in Georgia to repay the church.

A judge ordered Rev. William Blasingame to pay back $84,537 to St. Paul's Memorial Episcopal Church on Staten Island and serve five years probation.

Prosecutors said he paid for personal luxuries, including tens of thousands of dollars worth of plastic surgery and Botox treatments, with money earmarked for the needy and the upkeep of church grounds.

Defense attorney James Hasson said Wednesday that Blasingame plans to sell land he owns in Georgia to cover the restitution.

Blasingame pleaded guilty to felony grand larceny in September. He could have faced 15 years in prison if convicted at trial.

His lawyer said Blasingame is "very sorry."

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