breach

CHRISTIAN BREAKING NEWS: Who is Shelley Strickland? Wife of Pastor Mark Strickland | Charged with Stealing $404K from Church, Could Face Up to 10 Years in Prison, if Convicted [#ShelleyStrickland #PastorMarkStrickland #MarkStrickland]

The wife of a Southern Baptist pastor has been charged with stealing more than $400,000 from a South Carolina church, and she may face further charges for theft at other churches, police say.

According to Ware Shoals Police Chief Bryan Louis, Shelley Strickland, wife of Baptist Pastor Mark Strickland, confessed to stealing $404,000 from the First Baptist Church of Ware Shoals, SC.

According to Louis, Shelley Strickland worked as First Baptist’s finance secretary from 2017 to 2024.

However, her husband is the pastor of First Damascus Baptist Church in nearby Bradley, South Carolina, and the couple lives in the parsonage there, Louis explained.

Shelley Strickland was arrested on August 9 and charged with breach of trust for more than $10,000, according to Louis.

If convicted, Strickland could face up to 10 years in prison, he said.

Louis further stated that Strickland is accused of stealing money from other churches under the authority of the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office, and that he expects the sheriff to file additional charges shortly.

Strickland stole a total of $404,414 from many accounts, including the church’s emergency fund, according to police.

Investigators reviewing records discovered that the money was spent on restaurant meals, vacations to the Smoky Mountains, resort rentals, and family expenses.

Strickland also resides in a parsonage owned by the church.

According to police, Strickland has previously worked as a financial secretary for a number of churches.

NEWS SOURCE & LINKS:
Carolina Coast Online

Who is Shelley Strickland? Wife of Pastor Mark Strickland | CHARGED WITH STEALING $404K FROM CHURCH | Christian Breaking News!