Man accused of duping nuns held on bail

WORCESTER, Mass. (AP) - A professional fundraiser from Rhode Island accused of stealing more than $360,000 from a private school run by Roman Catholic religious order in Massachusetts has been ordered held on $250,000 bail.

Michael Hlady, of Smithfield, R.I., pleaded not guilty in Worcester Superior Court on Friday to charges of fraud, identity theft and larceny.

Authorities allege he told nuns that run Venerini Academy in Worcester he had lined up a $3 million donation from a well-known philanthropist, and was paid the money for securing the gift.

The school has since run into financial problems and is facing lawsuits after launching a building project based on the expectation of the donation.

Hlady's lawyer has said his client denies the charges. He's been held on $250,000 bail since his district court arraignment in April.