BOSTON -- A Cape Cod man has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for stealing more than $14 million combined from his employer and his church.
The judge gave 42-year-old Jeffrey Windle of Harwich a sentence even harsher than prosecutors had requested and higher than sentencing guidelines called for after hearing victims' stories of betrayed trust.
Windle pleaded guilty in March to embezzling $13.4 million from Natick-based Cambium Learning Inc., and nearly $650,000 from the Congregational Church of South Dennis where he served as volunteer treasurer.
Authorities say Windle bought luxury homes in Massachusetts and Florida, boats and cars with the money.
Windle's lawyer asked for leniency, saying he has been diagnosed with psychological problems and was remorseful.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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