Oxnard, California — A former assistant pastor was sentenced to two years in state prison on Friday for misappropriating $200,000 from a local church during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.
Assistant Pastor’s Theft and Misuse of Funds
Curtis Frank Lemons, who once served as an assistant pastor at New Progressive Christian Baptist Church in Oxnard, pleaded guilty to three felony counts — two of grand theft and one of money laundering.
The charges stemmed from his actions in late 2020 when he issued himself a $200,000 cashier’s check from the church’s bank account during a vulnerable time for the church.
In December 2020, as the church’s longtime patriarch was gravely ill and the congregation was struggling with the uncertainty brought on by the pandemic, Lemons used the funds for personal expenses.
These included dental work, airline tickets, a new vehicle, a cell phone, and real estate in Tennessee, court records revealed.
Investigation and Accountability
The theft was discovered after the church officials reported missing funds, prompting an investigation by the Oxnard Police Department. Despite Lemons claiming that the money had been donated to charity, investigators found no evidence to support this claim.
“This is a sad case,” said Senior Deputy District Attorney Howard Wise, who led the prosecution. “Mr. Lemons stole from a vulnerable victim at a vulnerable time.
The patriarch of the church was near death when this happened at the onset of COVID. Mr. Lemons made a terrible decision but has accepted responsibility for his significant theft.”
Read Also: DOJ Probes University of California Over Hiring Discrimination Concerns
Restitution and Legal Consequences
In addition to the prison sentence, Lemons has been ordered to pay full restitution of $200,000 to the church, the amount he took during his time at the church.
This case highlights the deep betrayal of trust in a community already facing the hardships of a global pandemic. The church’s vulnerability, combined with Lemons’ breach of that trust, led to significant legal and personal consequences.
What are your thoughts on the case?
Do you think the sentence was appropriate for the crime, or should the punishment have been different? Let us know your views in the comments!
For more details on such cases and updates, visit RidgecrestPact.org.
