The former pastor of a Mercer County church was sentenced today to probation for stealing $18,000 from church coffers.

The Rev. Sidney Walker, 50, of White Oak, pleaded guilty in January to the theft from the First Baptist Church of Farrell.

Common Pleas Judge John C. Reed sentenced Rev. Walker to five years probation, though some of the congregants and prosecutors had asked that he be sent to jail, Assistant District Attorney William Moder said.

The preacher had faced a maximum of five years in jail for the first-degree misdemeanor conviction, Mr. Moder said.

Rev. Walker also was prohibited from pastoring at First Baptist. He was ordered to pay restitution of $600 a month through a wage attachment, plus interest.

Since charges were filed, Rev. Walker has filed for bankruptcy, which should not affect the restitution order, Mr. Moder said.

Rev. Walker, the pastor at First Baptist for more than four years, testified that he is employed at U.S. Steel's Clairton Works.

He said at the time of his guilty plea that he took the money because of personal financial problems.

Judge Reed ordered him to never hold fiduciary responsibilities for any organization.