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Gretna Preacher Pleads Guilty to Stealing from Church
A Gretna preacher has pleaded guilty to stealing over $320,000 from his church, officials announced Wednesday.
Joseph R. Alexander, 60, a minister at a Church of Christ congregation in Gretna, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to one count of a 16-count indictment returned in December 2017.
According to the documents filed in open court, Alexander stole at least $321,491 from the church in three different schemes between 2006 and 2013.
The first scheme involved Alexander writing church checks to himself to pay for personal expenses, but creating false entries in church ledgers which indicated the checks were being written to legitimate church vendors.
He also opened an online bank account without church permission and paid personal expenses from the online account, and forged a church elder’s signature on checks which required two signatures.
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service in investigating the matter.
The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice Jr.
Alexander faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, a fine of $1 million and 5 years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, as well as restitution to the Church.
A sentencing hearing is set for April 3, 2019, before Judge Sarah S. Vance.
The indictment was returned on December 7, 2017, but Alexander pleaded guilty on Wednesday, December 12, 2018.
The government agreed to dismiss the remaining 15 counts at sentencing.
U.S. Attorney Strasser commended the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service and Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice Jr. for their efforts in bringing Alexander to justice.
This case is a prime example of the importance of holding public officials accountable for their actions.
The United States Postal Inspection Service is committed to investigating and prosecuting crimes that involve the misuse of funds, particularly in cases involving churches and other non-profit organizations.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice Jr. of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana, with the assistance of the United States Postal Inspection Service.
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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