Upstate Woman Charged with Stealing Hundreds of Thousands from Church

Upstate Woman Charged with Stealing Hundreds of Thousands from Church

WARE SHOALS, S.C. – An Upstate woman is now facing serious charges after allegedly stealing a significant amount of money from Ware Shoals First Baptist Church. According to the Ware Shoals Police Department, Shelley Strickland, who served as the church’s financial secretary, had been taking funds from the church since 2019. This money was reportedly used to pay for her credit cards and various personal expenses.

How It Unfolded

The authorities disclosed that the scheme carried on uninterrupted until February 2024. It came to light when a new financial secretary was hired by the church, who noticed and reported discrepancies in the church’s financial records. Reverend Michael Norrell mentioned in passing conversation with the new secretary that something didn’t seem right.

Upon further examination, it was revealed that Strickland had stolen a total of $404,414 from different accounts within the church, including the emergency fund.

Spending the Stolen Money

Investigators delving into the records found that the misappropriated funds were spent on an array of personal expenses. This included meals at upscale restaurants, trips to the Smokey Mountains, as well as cabin and resort rentals. Additionally, the money also covered various family expenses.

Living in Church Property

Interestingly, Strickland currently resides in a parsonage owned by the church. This has prompted further scrutiny of her actions and lifestyles over the last few years.

Other Churches Potentially Affected

Strickland’s involvement in financial affairs is not limited to Ware Shoals First Baptist Church. According to the incident report, she has also served as a financial secretary at Emerald Baptist, Callie Self Memorial Baptist, Providence Baptist, and Lakeland’s Baptist churches.

The authorities have been in touch with these other churches, and there’s a possibility of additional charges being filed against Strickland in Greenwood County.

Legal Proceedings Continue

As the investigation continues, the community at Ware Shoals First Baptist Church remains in shock and is closely following updates. Members hope for a swift resolution and the recovery of the stolen funds. Stay tuned for further updates as more details unfold about this large-scale embezzlement case.