A former treasurer of the Central United Methodist Church was sentenced Monday in a federal court to two years in prison without parole for stealing nearly $300,000 from the church, U.S. Atty. Bradley Schlozman said Monday.

U.S. District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan also ordered Keith B. Koenigsdorf, 51, an attorney from Overland Park, Kan., to pay back the $297,964 he stole from the Kansas City church.

In May, Koenigsdorf pleaded guilty to interstate transportation of stolen property, and admitted that he began embezzling money from the church in November 1999. Koenigsdorf was a member of the board of trustees and was authorized to sign church checks.

Authorities said Koenigsdorf siphoned off the money gradually, cashing more than 90 checks during nearly four years.