Home Christian News Former Church Employee Who Embezzled $450K Gets 5 1/2 Years in Federal...

Former Church Employee Who Embezzled $450K Gets 5 1/2 Years in Federal Prison

The church accounts that the money came out of included the account for the COTR’s Dream Center, a ministry that helps underserved people in the community. The Dream Center website says its purpose is to “take people from dependence to a place of responsibility by meeting people’s basic needs and building relationships with them. This opens the door for spiritual needs to be met, which in turn brings social transformation, resulting in life pattern changes, economic rise, and neighborhood improvements.”

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In May, Stabeno pled guilty to two counts of bank fraud; the rest of the charges were dismissed as part of her plea deal. 

Regarding the impact that Stabeno’s crimes had on COTR, the Journal says, “Stabeno’s theft forced the church to terminate employees, seek donations from parishioners and get a bank loan to pay for expenses.”

ChurchLeaders has reached out to COTR for comment, but has not received a response at the time of publication.