Investigators say Florida pastor sold church for drug money
(cbs12.com)https://cbs12.com/news/local/james-edward-smith-pastor-church-drugs-defraud-grand-theft-florida-3-3-2023A pastor is facing multiple charges related to fraud and grand theft at a church in Pompano Beach.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested James Edward Smith II, 49, the pastor of New Jerusalem Baptist Church, after receiving complaints that Smith fraudulently gained control of the church and church funds before selling it for drug money.
The FDLE investigation reportedly showed Smith filed a forged quit claim to gain control of the church. He reportedly sold it for $600,000. A search of his residence found heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana, and a stolen firearm.
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