MUSCATINE (AP) - A California man faces money laundering and theft charges for allegedly stealing from employees of a Muscatine business that makes church products.

Authorities say 40-year-old George "Tom" Gott Jr., of Redding, Calif., stole more than $13,000 from salary deferrals of 16 employees at Wiedemann Church Products. They say the alleged crimes took place from June through November 2005.

Prosecutors accuse Gott of using the money for personal and business transactions.

An initial court hearing in the case is scheduled for Oct. 23.

Gott faces up to 10 years in prison and up to $10,000 fines on each of the charges.