Former Alabama Pastor Arrested for Stealing $9,000 From Coroner’s Association

Philip Brian Box
Screengrab via WTVY

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A former pastor and current Christian school staff member, Philip Brian Box, is facing charges for allegedly stealing $8,911.07 from the Alabama Coroner’s Association.

Box “immediately” decided to plead guilty to the charges.

Philip Brian Box Intends To Plead Guilty to Stealing $9,000 From Coroner’s Office

According to local news, law enforcement received a complaint stating that Box stole nearly $9,000 from April to September in 2022.

A former pastor of Elba Church of Christ, in Elba, Alabama, Box continued his career by becoming a church relations coordinator for Mount Dora Christian Academy in Mount Dora, Florida.

Between serving in these two roles, Box worked at the Coffee County coroner’s office.

RELATED: Pastor’s Grandson Arrested and Charged With Embezzling $470K From North Carolina Church

Box was appointed chief deputy coroner in 2011. He later ran for the elected office of coroner in 2018 but was unsuccessful.

Box was arrested on Jan. 11 and charged with “first-degree theft of property” after an internal audit of the association’s financial records. Morgan County Coroner Jeff Chunn told Advance Local that Box served as an “administrator/director to assist the officers of the association to carry out our business meetings and help with district training.”

“Immediately” pleading guilty has legal ramifications for Box. His attorney has already filed an intent to “plead guilty to First Degree Theft based upon criminal information,” reported WTVY. This legal tactic could help keep the case from going to a grand jury.

RELATED: Louisiana Pastor Sentenced to 5 Years in Money Laundering Case Involving Nearly $900K in Stolen Funds

First-time offenders like Box also qualify for “pretrial diversion,” which will keep conviction from being added to a criminal record.

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Janna Firestone
Janna serves as Director of Women's Ministries at LifeSpring Covenant Church. You'll find her engaging in authentic conversation, enjoying a good laugh, or embarking on an outdoor adventure. Janna has contributed to several books for women and youth in the church, spoken to women's groups across the country, led small groups, and found a deep appreciation for soul care. She lives in Colorado with her husband and two sons.

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