A former principal of St. Vincent de Paul High School in Petaluma may stand trial on allegations that he misused a school-issued credit card. A Sonoma County judge ruled Tuesday, Oct. 27, after an hours-long preliminary hearing, The Press Democrat reported.

The ruling

Judge John Behnke ordered Patrick Daly, 62, to return Nov. 19 for arraignment on a felony count of grand theft. Behnke said it was not "the cleanest case of embezzlement." He noted Daly likely did good work as principal and said school officials should have communicated credit card policies better. But the judge also found Daly gave insufficient documentation of his spending. One example was a brief note saying he used the card for "golf," the Press Democrat reported.

What's alleged

  • Testimony focused on 49 cash advances adding up to about $50,000. It also covered about $3,500 charged at the San Leandro Marina and thousands more on items including massages and pet supplies or treatment.
  • Former colleagues have alleged Daly embezzled at least $100,000, though that figure wasn't presented at Tuesday's hearing.
  • Daly was charged with one count of grand theft in August 2024 and pleaded not guilty in October 2024, KSRO reported. He is accused of using a school credit card for thousands of dollars in unauthorized purchases.

The defense

Defense attorney James Lassart argued that his client broke no established policy and that the investigations were subpar. "Mr. Daly followed all the rules," Lassart told the judge. "There is no probable cause Mr. Daly embezzled." Deputy District Attorney Amy Ariyoshi is prosecuting.

Background

Daly was hired in 2017 and abruptly fired in August 2023, which sparked student protests. In March 2024 he sued the parish, the school and church leaders, alleging wrongful termination and defamation. That lawsuit is ongoing, according to court records cited by the Press Democrat. Authorities issued an arrest warrant in July 2024. The school, Petaluma's only Catholic high school, was run by the St. Vincent de Paul parish in the Diocese of Santa Rosa until May 2024, when it changed its name to St. Vincent de Paul College Prep. A criminal charge is an allegation, and Daly is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.