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BEAVER, Pa. (AP) — A former religious brother has a deal to plead guilty and repay about $220,000 he allegedly stole from a western Pennsylvania church. Defense attorney Chad Bowers announced the deal after 62-year-old Thomas Ross — once known as Brother Ambrose — waived a preliminary hearing Tuesday on charges he stole from Good Samaritan Catholic Church in Ambridge. Beaver County authorities say Ross stole the money from weekly collections and votive candle contributions since 2006. He resigned as a brother who served as the church's music director and fundraising coordinator after the money was discovered missing last year. Bowers says Ross will likely face some form of house arrest when he pleads guilty Aug. 10. Bowers says Ross had a gambling addiction. Records from Pittsburgh's Rivers Casino show Ross wagered $2.7 million since 2010, losing more than $331,000.

Ex-religious brother has plea deal in $220K church theft