HILO >> A 68-year-old Hilo man is sentenced to five years’ probation in thefts from two Big Island churches.

The Hawaii Tribune-Herald says Edward Hanohano also received 18 months in jail, with credit for time served and the remainder taken under advisement pending completion of his probation terms.

Hanohano was accused of stealing more than $45,000 from churches affiliated with Hoomana Naauau o Hawaii. He pleaded guilty in March to a theft charge.

Hanohano would have received a deferred acceptance of his guilty plea if he had given the church a cashier’s check for $10,000 by Monday’s sentencing hearing. A deferred acceptance would have meant his felony conviction would be erased after probation.

Hilo Circuit Judge Greg Nakamura allowed Hanohano to pay restitution at a rate of $50 a month.