A popular Evans church reported the theft of money through an apparent scam, according to a sheriff’s report.
A business administrator at the church received an email while working from home from someone she thought was the Pastor of Journey Community Church asking her to make wire transfers for the church, according to a sheriff’s report.
While the money initially reported to the sheriff’s office was listed as $20,000, lead pastor Bobby Smith (pictured) told The Jail Report on Tuesday that they are working with their bank to detemine an accurate amount. It is not $20,000, he said.
Pastor Smith said the sheriff’s office and the bank have been working hard to help them determine the amount of the theft and possible suspects.
The money was wired to an out-of-state bank and the bank account was closed down shortly after the transfer, the pastor said.
Sheriff’s Maj. Steve Morris said these scams are common with thieves often fooling victims with emails that are similar to ones used by the target business.
The church released this statement to its members after The Jail Report informed them that we intended to report the story and warn other churches:
“In an effort to maintain full transparency and openness, we would like to make you aware of a situation that has occurred. We have recently discovered that Journey Community Church has become the victim of financial fraud in relation to payments made towards our building project. This was done by an external party with no relation to the church staff or any contractors related to this project.
We have involved both the Columbia County Sheriff’s Department and South State Bank, and we are in full cooperation of an ongoing investigation in relation to the fraud. Thank you for your continued support of our church, and we know God is at work in the midst of this situation. Blessings, Pastor Bobby Smith”
For more crime news, pick up this week’s edition of The Jail Report.
