Journey Baptist Church in New Hampshire, England (Photo: Google Images)
An executive pastor facing 18 month’s jail term due to theft
According to a published article from USA Today that a New Hampshire executive pastor who stole around $130,000 from his church to settle gambling bills and make purchases was given an 18-month jail term.
On Wednesday, Barrington resident Gregory Neal, 45, was sentenced to jail and ordered to pay back the Journey Baptist Church and the insurance company that assisted in covering part of the damages.
In April, Gregory Neal entered a guilty plea to one count of wire fraud.
According to a published article from USA Today, “a man who exploited his position of trust—as the head of his church—and stole from his members to feed his gambling habit has been brought to justice.” Attorney Jane Young said in a statement.
According to the prosecution, Gregory Neal used church credit cards to make illicit transactions and made unauthorized withdrawals of money from the church between January 2017 and March 2020 in order to pay off his obligations.
Duties and obligations of Pastor Gregory Neal in his church
According to a published report from S.Y Feed in accordance with a news statement from the U.S. Department of Justice from April, the duties of Gregory Neal at the church included managing its day-to-day operations, including its finances.
In order for Gregory Neal to continue operating his carpenter company and be able to repay the church and maintain his family, his attorney requested a sentence of five years on probation.
In his sentencing note, it was said, “When the crime came to light, Mr. Gregory Neal confessed and tried to make apologies.”
Pastor was imprisoned for stealing from Barrington’s Journey Baptist Church. (Photo: SeaCoastOnline)
“After being confronted by police officers, Gregory Neal repaid several thousand dollars while also setting aside further funds.”
Gregory Neal created a new company, manufacturing kitchen islands, to support his family, and went to Gambler’s Anonymous meetings.
Letters of encouragement from the wife of Gregory Neal and church members were also included.
