CHURCHES – SOFT HEARTS, SOFT TARGETS FOR CRIMINALS

America is known for being the land of plenty, and this also applies to the vast number of churches in this country. The United States missed the worldwide mark for the most churches per capita but the total numbers are astounding – an estimated 380,000 of them. Another fact, and a sad one at that, is the U.S. houses the highest numerous of criminal inmates in the world! With that being said, anyone and everyone has the possibility of becoming a crime victim sometime during their lifetime. This also applies to businesses and organizations, including churches.

Over the centuries, churches have been targeted by those with illicit and greedy intentions. Vast treasures of gold and silver were prior targets, which have now evolved into financial frauds, Ponzi/Pyramid schemes, and embezzlements. From thousands of dollars to multi-millions, these financial crimes are occurring daily. One might ask why and the answer is simple; most churches are soft targets.

One definition of a “soft target” might be quickly explained as an easy victim. Religious organizations are renowned for being composed of individuals who love and care for others, and with an array of ample resources. Criminals also are aware that these establishments are funded by financial contributions from their congregations, so without mixing words, most churches have members with some extra money that they can spare. Caring people with financial resources; an open door for the illicit proprietors of our society. 

Any church can become a target but today’s mega-churches can mean mega bucks. One example of this is the Prestonwood Baptist Church in North Dallas. Several times over the past few decades its parishioners have been targeted by Ponzi and Pyramid scheme fraudsters. What occurred in one scheme is that the perpetrators, Richard and Kathy Kingsmore, offered a ” once in a lifetime” investment opportunity, where church members could buy into a profitable investment. In actuality, there was nothing real that these investors were buying into, except for a life of luxury and frivolous spending for the Kingsmores. The couple’s illicit scheme was eventually discovered, after which both were arrested and eventually convicted. The total for their fraudulent endeavors; $3.4 million!

Another example is a recent one at a church in Indiana. This perpetrator, Marie Carson, was employed by a Catholic Church to handle the organization’s financial proceeds. During her employment, Ms. Carson was stealing money from the church over a period of 13 years, and possibly more. This thief was not bashful about hiding her illegally derived assets. Going on binging casino trips and long vacations was her forte, enjoying every dime of her stolen monies until she was finally caught. The federal government prosecuted and convicted her for embezzling $574,000 but they believed a higher amount was actually realized. Another similar occurrence happened to the Church on the Rock in Lubbock, Texas, where Lisa Stabeno told around $450,000 from them. The list can go on and on, but we will stop here.

Simple steps can be undertaken to prevent these types of theft. First, as the adage goes, “If it sounds too good to be true then it probably is,” meaning; be very cautious in going there. Verify sources and research potential investments well before investing. Also, as with all organizations, especially churches, implement an oversight mechanism for the money flow. And remember, where generous people exist, so do those willing to take advantage of them. The embezzlement of funds from a church usually starts with the perpetrator taking small amounts. Knowledge and preventative steps can help slam the lid shut on those putting their hand in the kitty, and can prevent major and embarrassing incidents!