The five-year sentence and $75,000 fine against former national church treasurer Ellen F. Cooke has been upheld by a U.S. District Court of Appeals in Philadelphia.

Mrs. Cooke is serving the sentence in a federal prison in West Virginia following her conviction on charges of tax evasion and transportation of stolen money across state lines. She had admitted to the embezzlement of some $2.2 million in church funds.

A three-judge panel affirmed the original sentence, but did not issue a reason for their decision.

Lawyers for Mrs. Cooke argued that the sentence imposed upon their client exceeded federal sentencing guidelines and that Judge Maryanne Trump Barry erred in accepting a letter from Presiding Bishop Edmond L. Browning and other church leaders which asked that leniency not be granted in sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Hughes defended the sentence and argued that Judge Barry exercised appropriate discretion in sentencing.