'Christian Pilgrimage Tours' Operator Sentenced

John B. Baird, 73, was sentenced yesterday to five years in prison for scamming people who thought they were booking trips to Christian pilgrimage sites in Europe and the Middle East, according to a United States Attorney's Office press release. 

According to the press release, Baird, of Elkins Park, operated Christian Pilgrimage Trips Inc.; between April 2006 and February 2007 he defrauded 138 people out of more than $400,000 – many of the victims were senior citizens.

Baird's "customers" paid him by mail – directly sending him a check. Many paid the full amount to receive a discount. Baird, who advertised Catholic magazines, cancelled seven trips.

Baird pleaded guilty in January to four counts of mail fraud and was ordered to pay more than $410,000 in restitution.