Robert G. Mathis, 64, formerly of Birch Run, Michigan and currently of Houston, Texas, has been charged with embezzling more than $100,000 from Christ Lutheran Church in Birch Run where he had served as congregation president for the past 12 years. Specifically, Mathis has been charged with conducting a continuing criminal enterprise, embezzling more than $100,000, third-degree money laundering and three counts of forgery. Authorities believe Mathis misappropriated the funds by writing checks and forging signatures. Update: Mathis has plead guilty to the charges.Read the story here and here.
1 comment:
Its a shame when someone takes advantage of the trust that people place in them and abuses the position of responsibility in which they find themselves. Churches, and other religious establishments, seem to fall prey to such schemes, often due to denial that one of their leaders or members would indulge greedy tendencies. It is wise for any business or establishment which manages a large amount of funds, to invest time into securing their finances. A service called Weeds in the Garden is successful at enabling churches to prevent fraud, embezzlement, and funds mismanagement. This website allows concerned churches to seek and receive assistance in protecting themselves from fraud.
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