Financial Crime News 05/28/2023

(May 26) Man Accused Of Breaking Into Church, Stealing Bingo Prizes | Gastonia, NC

A Lincoln County man was charged with breaking into two buildings, including a church, and trying to set an outbuilding on fire, the sheriff stated in a news release.

On March 7, deputies were called to Southside Baptist Church off Gastonia Highway where there was a break-in. Prizes for bingo night were stolen, deputies said.

On Wednesday, deputies charged Dustin Dennis Hunter, 27, of Lincolnton, with breaking and entering a place of worship, larceny after breaking and entering, possession of stolen goods, and injury to real property.

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(May 26) Rayne Man Accused Of Stealing Bones From Cemetery And Leaving Them On Church Steps | Rayne, LA

A Rayne man is accused of stealing human remains from a cemetery and leaving them on the steps of the St. Joseph Church.

Rusty Richard, 44, of Rayne was identified by Rayne Police as the alleged suspect in two separate incidents that occurred on May 18, and May 23.

On both occasions, St. Joseph Church staff reported human bones left on the steps of the church, according to Rayne Police. A note was left with the bones on May 18, but not on May 23.

Richard claimed his motive was to have the bones blessed and properly reburied, according to Rayne Police.

Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Richard for two counts of illegal possession of human remains.

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(May 25) Salisbury Blotter For May 25 | Salisbury, NC

Someone broke into Cornerstone Pentecostal Church on Monday, and although no one was hurt, as the individual fled the building, they reportedly knocked over and destroyed a mosaic table in the church lobby.

According to a spokesperson from the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect came in through the kitchen around 10:30 p.m.. Pry marks were discovered by the back door. 

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(May 25) Woman Stole Nearly $100K From Historic Church | Palm Beach, FL

A Wellington woman is facing two criminal charges after said she used her position at a historic church to steal nearly $100,000 from a fund for people in need, Palm Beach police said.

The 51-year-old woman was arrested May 12 and is facing charges of organized scheme to defraud and money laundering about three years after her alleged crimes were discovered at the Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea, an arrest report said. She was released the same day from the Palm Beach County Jail on a $20,000 bond, records show.

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(May 24) Miami Pastor Convicted Of PPP Loan Fraud And Sentenced To 48 Months In Federal Prison | Miami, FL

Elie Floradin, self-described pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church in Miami, Florida, was tried and convicted of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan fraud after seeking more than $1 million in loans for fraudulent companies. Now he has been sentenced to 48 months in federal prison.

Through a mediator, Floradin repeatedly applied for PPP loans for fake companies, often described as employment agencies.

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