Emmitt Williams III, former pastor of Springfield Missionary Baptist Church in Evanston, Illinois, was arrested Oct. 1 and arraigned on one count of felony loan fraud. The allegations stem from three unauthorized mortgage loans that Williams allegedly acquired on the church’s property.
Williams, 39, was released ahead of a second court appearance scheduled for Wednesday (Oct. 2). The married father of five had served at Springfield MBC since 2011.
In January 2024, the church terminated the pastor’s employment due to “breach of fiduciary duties” and for having “deviated from the ethical standards and responsibilities expected of someone in your position.”
Church Lists Alleged ‘Breaches’ by Emmitt Williams III
In a letter dated Jan. 21, 2024, Warren Pitts, chairman of Springfield MBC’s trustee board, informed Emmitt Williams III that his termination was effective immediately. Pitts listed three specific breaches by Williams that the church had identified, noting that the list was “not exhaustive.”
According to the termination letter, Williams opened a checking account in the church’s name “without the knowledge and/or authorization” of trustees. He also requested a Certificate of Dissolution or Revocation document from the Illinois secretary of state, on which he indicated he was president of the congregation rather than a church employee. And he “acquired three loans/mortgages” totaling $178,000 without the trustees’ knowledge or authorization.
In the letter, Pitts noted that the congregation had entrusted Williams with “significant responsibilities” but the pastor’s actions “have fallen short” of their expectations of integrity. “These breaches have/will have a detrimental impact on the trust and confidence that the congregation and leadership had in your leadership,” the chairman added.
Back in January, the church gave Williams three days to return any church property, keys, and documents. Pitts concluded the termination letter by acknowledging this is “a difficult situation” and by wishing Williams “the best in your future endeavors.”
Former Pastor Faces Fine, Jail Time
According to the Evanston Roundtable, Williams took out the three unauthorized mortgages between April and December 2023. Also in April 2023, he filed the paperwork that listed himself as the church’s corporate agent.
Based on the total loan amounts, the loan-fraud charge against Williams is a class 1 felony. The former pastor faces fines up to $25,000 and between four and 15 years in prison.
