10 Black Churches Caught Up In Embezzlement Scandals

While these holier-than-thou preachers scream and shout their “Glory Gods” at the pulpit, the believing congregation replies with a resounding “Amen!” Little do they know they’re being spiritually swindled! If anybody needs Jesus, it’s these clergy crooks.

There’s a reason why the reverend is sweatin’ bullets — being a church charlatan will do that do you.

A BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey found that Black Americans spend $683 a year on religious contributions. According to a source from UrbanIntellectuals, Black churches have collected $420 billion in tithes since 1980 — and if you believe that every dollar went towards a legitimate cause, you are sadly mistaken.

Here are 10 recent cases of embezzlement and theft in the Black church.

And for more about the money involved in the black church, check out the new Moguldom Studios documentary “Black Church Inc.” available on iTunes and Google Play. Watch the trailer here. Buy your copy today!

Goodwill Baptist Church (South Carolina)

Pastor John Albert Jackson Sr., 63, was up to no good! Church members at Goodwill Baptist Church, located in Madison S.C., noticed that $66,657 disappeared during Jackson’s 19-year tenure. After parishioners cornered him about the missing funds, Jackson resigned in 2011, but he ain’t off the hook! Last August, Jackson — and his 38-year-old son — were charged with multiple charges of embezzlement and malfeasance. “Goodwill” my derriere.

 City of Refuge Presbyterian Church (Texas)

City of Robbery — erm I mean — “Refuge” Presbyterian Church had little shame in stealing $200,000 from its dutiful members. And Pastor Russell Thomas Jr., 55, is the criminal cleric behind it all. He deposited exactly $284,503 in tithes into a secret bank account over a two-year period. Three months ago, in March, he was indicted and arrested for theft. He is now asking for forgiveness from his congregation. “We believe that being Christ-like in all aspects of life is essential,” the church’s mission statement claims. Well isn’t that ironic…

New Birth Baptist Church (Georgia)

Ephren Taylor, first introduced by Megapastor Eddie Long in New Birth Baptist Church, masterminded what officials call the “Christian Ponzi Scheme.” This preacher’s son scammed $11 million out of Black churchgoers across 40 states! $11 million. “He’s quoted scriptures!” Lillian Wells said, a member of ATL-based New Birth. Wells says she was convinced by Taylor to invest $122,000 — her entire life savings — into a real estate venture. Of course, as you probably guessed, Thieving Taylor later disappeared. Wells, when the story broke out in 2012, explained her struggles with a soon-to-be foreclosed home. Countless others suffered similar fates. A judge ruled that Taylor must repay the investors $14.5 million.

Life Reach Ministries (Illinois)

Rev. Howard Richmond, 53, owned a storefont church called Life Reach Ministries in Aurora, Ill. And he had no problem reachin’ for your pockets.  The man had big dreams and goals — a megachurch in Chicago. Richmond convinced two dozen god-fearing investors to finance this holy institution (one gave up $1 million). They trusted him, because y’know, he’s a pastor and all — and they can do no wrong, right? While the victims were promised big returns, Richmond later abandoned the church expansion plan. The televangelist used the money on a new BMW, a trip to Hawaii, jewelry, and nights in plush hotels. All that came to an end when Richmond was sentenced to 12 years in prison last December for stealing $1.6 million.

Macedonia Baptist Church (Ohio)

“You robbed us blind,” Edna Payne said, a member of Macedonia Baptist Church. “You have demonstrated uncontrollable greed.” Payne was one of the 12 parishioners who attended Rev. Quentin L. Respress’ sentencing hearing last winter. Respress, 44, is accused of stealing $54,081 for his own personal expenses. A judge concluded that he should be placed on probation and repay the $54,000 he embezzled. Should he violate his probation by not making the payments, he will face a two-year prison sentence. Today, Respress is pastoring the Kingdom Power Baptist Church.

New Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church (Florida)

Members of New Mt. Zion Missionary in Central Florida will just have to pray for their money back. Pastor Joe Seephis Hardie, 68, pocketed $100,000 from his congregation. Last August, a jury found Hardie guilty of defrauding, money laundering, and grand theft, WPTV5 reported. Prosecutors say Hardie misappropriated church funds for his own use in 2007, 2008, and a portion of 2009.

Bethel Institutional Missionary Baptist Church (Texas)

Houston pastor Charles Gilford and his wife, Adriane Gilford, did the most — not only did they steal $430,000 from Bethel Institutional Missionary churchgoers, they gambled it at Louisiana casinos! Two years ago, these knuckleheads were charged with aggregate theft and “misapplication of fiduciary property.” While it’s unclear where the Gilford’s fate stands today, they seem to be starting anew with a different church: New Vision Fellowship, The Vineyard of Blessings in Houston.

New Hope Missionary Baptist Church (Florida)

Johnny Murff is a pastor-turned-mugshot model. Why? Over a span of one year and five months, Murff decided to stick his hands into the cookie jar and steal $5,567 from his own faithful New Hope congregation. An investigator found that the 37-year-old preacher used the tithes to pay for his cellphone and electric bills. According to Lake Ledger, Murff was released from prison on May 4 after posting $1,000 bail.

Hilltop Apostolic Church (California)

“It’s hard to imagine a more egregious crime, stealing from one’s own church,” Sharon Lerman-Hubert said, a Deputy District Attorney. Bruce Anthony Stark, pastor at Hilltop Apostolic Church, pick-pocketed his pious behind into prison. This past February, he was sentenced to three years in prison — he’ll have a long time to reflect on the $100,000 he embezzled. “Bruce Stark’s thefts included cash, a van and land parcels that belonged to the church,” ThePressDemocrat wrote.