Gambling nun lays blame for crime A gambling nun , 63, is blaming her childhood for her decision to embezzle money Gambling nun 850,000 from Iona College New Rochelle New York , where she was vice president. Gambling nun childhood demons she blames . Sister Marie Thornton, who is accused of covering up her gambling sprees Atlantic City, New Jersey she went with phony invoices, was sentenced to probation Tuesday.