Financial Crime News 07/02/2023

(June 29) Man Accused Of Breaking Into 2 Fayette County Churches | Fayette County, GA

The Fayette County Sheriff's Office have arrested a man accused of a rather bold crime. Deputies said he broke into two houses of worship to steal.

"He said someone just broke into the church," James Oney, the senior pastor of Liberty Baptist Church said.

Oney told FOX 5 he couldn't believe it when he got the sheriff's call.

"It was a shock, in a sense. It’s a church, so you wouldn’t expect someone to bust in and get stuff out of your church," Oney said.

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(June 26) Church In Turtle Creek Increases Cecurity After Burglars Steal $12,000 Worth Of Items | Turtle Creek, PA

People in a local borough say they're dealing with a serious burglary problem.

The pastors at Total Salvation Ministries in Turtle Creek have added additional security after becoming the latest church to be burglarized.

"It's been the last two or three months," Barry Ratliff, the senior pastor at the church, said. "They've broken into probably four or five churches. Thieves broke into the hardware store and many other places."

Ratliff said earlier this month, a group of burglars busted into the church, which is right next to the police department. They stole more than $12,000 worth of electronics, instruments and other items used during classes and church services.

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(June 26) Pastor Fined $60,000 For Using Church Property As Shelter And Encampment For Unhoused | Gastonia, NC

Pastor Moses Colbert, a pastor in Gastonia, North Carolina, has taken extensive measures to house, feed, and educate his neighbors who are experiencing homelessness. Unfortunately, city leaders say he’s doing so without the proper permits and in violation of safety codes. The North Carolina pastor has been fined $60,000, and a judge has given him two months to make the necessary changes.

For several years, Colbert and local officials have faced off about his outreach efforts at Faith, Hope and Love Community Enrichment Ministries. The pastor placed trailer homes on church property for unhoused individuals, and about 100 more people live nearby in tents. Colbert’s ministry provides meals, education, counseling, and addition-recovery services.

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(June 23) Cleveland Man Arrested For Stealing Church Van | Cleveland, GA

A 38-year-old Cleveland man was arrested for allegedly stealing a church van in Cleveland this week.

According to an incident report from the Cleveland Police Department, an officer was dispatched to Cleveland Worship Center at 327 Helen Highway on Tuesday morning, June 20, regarding a stolen van.

When Officer Brandon Wood arrived, he met with the church’s Pastor, Marc Turner, who reported the theft. Pastor Turner told Officer Wood he knew who stole the vehicle because they had video of the incident. Turner stated he recognized the individual because the church had helped him out in the past.

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(June 23) 1 Vehicle Stolen And Used In Nine Car Break-Ins | Memphis, TN

Two vehicles were stolen and nine vehicles were broken into, according to Memphis Police Department (MPD).

On June 19-20 around 6:50 a.m., officers responded to a call involving a motor vehicle theft at Brinkley Heights Baptist Church, police said.

According to MPD, the suspects broke into nine vehicles including a blue 2017 Kia Optima which they used in the robberies.

The suspects returned over 20 times to the location driving a stolen burgundy SUV from 1 p.m. June 19 to 2 a.m. June 20, MPD said.

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