Like a fire-and-brimstone preacher, a federal judge dressed down a local pastor and former Columbus Urban League official yesterday before sentencing him to

31/2 years in prison for stealing more than $85,000 from the league.

U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley chastised defendant Ovell K. Harrison for undermining the Urban League and filling his own pockets for seven years with money that should have gone to those in need of housing, child care and job assistance.

“People like you come along and give people hope and then take it away because it’s convenient for you,” the judge told Harrison in a loud, angry voice. “I want you to think about the people who were victimized, who more often than not are forgotten.”...