Fraud

A Florida man has pleaded guilty in connection with the theft of more than 2,600 checks intended for religious institutions in several states. He and his co-conspirators deposited the stolen checks into bank accounts through ATMs, then withdrew money and spent the proceeds using debit cards.

Facing accusations that he failed to prevent a catastrophic real estate deal that prosecutors say cost the Catholic Church $384 million, René Brülhart told a judicial tribunal on Tuesday (April 5) that he is innocent.

After seven months of preliminary hearings, the Vatican trial of 10 individuals accused of corruption, fraud and money laundering will continue after judges dismissed final objections by the defense on Tuesday (March 1).

Former president of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church’s board of bishops, Staccato Powell, and a lay leader in the denomination were arrested and appeared in court on Tuesday.

In federal court this week, North Carolina Pastor Frank Jacobs Sr. pleaded guilty to fraud charges, including providing fraudulent details to receive a pandemic-relief loan.

Lisa Dawn Stabeno, who used to be a bookkeeper for a church in Lubbock, Texas, has been sentenced to five-and-half years in federal prison for embezzling $450,000.

John MacArthur was asked this week to weigh in on pastors who plagiarize sermons. He didn't pull any punches in his response.

A Maryland pastor was charged for marriage and visa fraud after it was discovered that he would arrange fake marriages between foreign nationals and American citizens whom he financially exploited.