Upstate Woman Arrested for Embezzling Hundreds of Thousands from Local Church

Upstate Woman Arrested for Embezzling Hundreds of Thousands from Local Church

Ware Shoals, SC –

An Upstate woman is now facing several charges in a significant embezzlement case after police revealed she stole a substantial amount of money from Ware Shoals First Baptist Church for over four years.

The suspect, Shelley Strickland, who served as the church’s financial secretary, reportedly began misappropriating funds from the church in 2019. According to the Ware Shoals Police Department, Strickland used the money to cover various personal expenses, including credit card payments.

The fraudulent activity went undetected until February 2024, when a new financial secretary was hired. The new hire quickly noticed irregularities in the church’s accounts and reported these discrepancies to the church pastor.

Upon investigation, it was uncovered that Strickland misappropriated a staggering total of $404,414 from multiple church accounts. This included funds taken from the church’s emergency fund, which is typically reserved for unforeseen expenses or crises.

Based on investigative records, it was discovered that the stolen money was funneled into a variety of personal indulgences. Strickland used the embezzled funds for meals at upscale restaurants, family vacations to the Smokey Mountains, lodging at cabins and resorts, and various other family expenses.

Additionally, it was reported that Strickland resides in a parsonage owned by Ware Shoals First Baptist Church, adding another layer of misuse of church resources.

Authorities have indicated that this is not the first time Strickland has held a financial role within a church environment. She has been employed as a financial secretary for several other churches, including Emerald Baptist, Callie Self Memorial Baptist, Providence Baptist, and Lakeland’s Baptist.

Police have also contacted these other churches to broaden the investigation. As a result, additional charges may be pending against Strickland in Greenwood County, should more evidence of fraudulent activity surface.

The arrest has sent shockwaves through the local church community, where many are grappling with feelings of betrayal and distrust due to the nature of the crime. Church members have expressed a mixture of emotions, from outrage to sadness, as they cope with the revelations.

Further details about the case are expected to emerge as the investigation continues. The Ware Shoals Police Department remains available for any additional information they uncover during the ongoing review of Strickland’s financial dealings.

This incident stands as a stark reminder of the importance of financial oversight and transparency within organizations, particularly those built on trust and communal support.

A hearing date for Strickland has yet to be announced, and the church community remains hopeful that justice will be served, and steps will be taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future.