Gregory Neal, Wire Fraud, New Hampshire 2023

CONCORD – A shocking case of betrayal has unfolded in the Granite State as Gregory Neal, a former executive pastor, pleaded guilty to using Journey Baptist Church’s debit and credit cards without authorization, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Gregory Neal, age 45, of Rochester, pleaded guilty to a one-count information alleging wire fraud in federal court. U.S. District Court Judge Samantha Elliott scheduled sentencing for July 19, 2023.

The defendant’s employment entailed overseeing the church’s daily operations, including control over its finances. From January 2017 to March 2020, Neal made unauthorized withdrawals of the church’s funds to pay off his own gambling debts and made unauthorized purchases with the church’s credit cards for his own personal benefit.

These unauthorized transactions amounted to roughly $130,000. Neal’s actions were a brazen betrayal of trust and a clear abuse of his position within the church.

The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a maximum fine that is the greater of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, and restitution. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The U.S. Secret Service led the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Gingrande is prosecuting the case.

Neal’s actions have left a trail of devastation in their wake, and his guilty plea is a step towards justice for those affected. The people of New Hampshire demand accountability, and Neal’s punishment will serve as a reminder that crimes of this nature will not be tolerated.

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