Church Employee Accused of Stealing More Than $100,000 In Tithes
By: Lauren Trager, KARK 4 News
Updated: October 24, 2012
An employee of one Saline County church is accused of betraying the congregation's trust, taking their money -- for herself.
Deputies say the woman is accused of stealing more than $100,000 over a five year period, essentially from the tithes of others.
Now, she could end up behind bars for what deputies say she was doing just steps away from the pulpit.
Even now, Pastor Jeff Langley feels blessed to be at the helm of the Congo Road Baptist Church in Benton.
"The congregation is very strong, very loving," he said.
There, the door is always open to those in need.
With just 100 active members, the church helps feed close to 70 families every week from its food pantry.
But deputies say one church employee hadn't been stocking the church's wares, she'd been stealing from its coffers.
"The bank called and had some concerns," Langley said.
Pastor Langley says a few months ago, he was alerted to checks bouncing and low balances in their account.
Friday, the church's secretary and treasurer Rebecca Walker was arrested, charged with close to 150 counts of theft: one for each time, deputies say she would make bank transfers from the church's accounts to her own.
"I am troubled for her and the family," said Langley.
Langley says Walker had been a devout member and employee for years, someone who worked more hours than she was paid for.
"The congregation has responded beautifully," Langley said.
But rather than condemn Walker as a wolf in their midst, Langley says, the flock can and will forgive.
"I am thankful for that, because some churches would fall apart, but our church has continued to be strong."
Langley says they'll even rally around Walker and her family, getting through this dark time with bright spirits, heir hearts as full of love, he says, as their shelves will still be with food.
"We want to move forward as a church, continue to do the things that we have been doing," he said.
Langley says he's thankful the food pantry account wasn't ever touched.
We did go to Walker's home Tuesday-she's bonded out of jail, but she refused to talk to us.
She faces more charges for using the church's credit cards too.
Of course, count on us to stay with this story and bring you more as it develops.
Deputies say the woman is accused of stealing more than $100,000 over a five year period, essentially from the tithes of others.
Now, she could end up behind bars for what deputies say she was doing just steps away from the pulpit.
Even now, Pastor Jeff Langley feels blessed to be at the helm of the Congo Road Baptist Church in Benton.
"The congregation is very strong, very loving," he said.
There, the door is always open to those in need.
With just 100 active members, the church helps feed close to 70 families every week from its food pantry.
But deputies say one church employee hadn't been stocking the church's wares, she'd been stealing from its coffers.
"The bank called and had some concerns," Langley said.
Pastor Langley says a few months ago, he was alerted to checks bouncing and low balances in their account.
Friday, the church's secretary and treasurer Rebecca Walker was arrested, charged with close to 150 counts of theft: one for each time, deputies say she would make bank transfers from the church's accounts to her own.
"I am troubled for her and the family," said Langley.
Langley says Walker had been a devout member and employee for years, someone who worked more hours than she was paid for.
"The congregation has responded beautifully," Langley said.
But rather than condemn Walker as a wolf in their midst, Langley says, the flock can and will forgive.
"I am thankful for that, because some churches would fall apart, but our church has continued to be strong."
Langley says they'll even rally around Walker and her family, getting through this dark time with bright spirits, heir hearts as full of love, he says, as their shelves will still be with food.
"We want to move forward as a church, continue to do the things that we have been doing," he said.
Langley says he's thankful the food pantry account wasn't ever touched.
We did go to Walker's home Tuesday-she's bonded out of jail, but she refused to talk to us.
She faces more charges for using the church's credit cards too.
Of course, count on us to stay with this story and bring you more as it develops.
Comments
I am a member of this church, and what Pastor Langley is saying is completley true, we love Becky and her family and will always welcome them with open arms. We all sin, but we must remember God forgives us of our so we must forgive others as he would us. We have a wonderful church and I am so proud to be a member.
Celia C.
October 24, 2012 at 8:28 am
