Former pastor accused of stealing donations meant for Helene victims
A pastor accused of stealing donations meant for Helene victims.
Sheriff deputies in McDowell County found out about the allegations against the Marion pastor four weeks after Helene.
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Former Pastor Jeff Merrow, 60, with Garden Creek Baptist Church, was charged with embezzlement and felony larceny.
Investigators said church members showed them numerous receipts for items that were never purchased. They also said there was a claim to a local insurance company for things that were not stolen.
Deputies said the church also reported that large amounts of cash donations for hurricane relief were collected from the community and given to the pastor but were never turned in.
Channel 9′s Dave Faherty spoke with two members who volunteer at a separate nonprofit next to the church.
“We trusted him with our money and trusted him with our faith and it really broke all of our hearts,” said Danielle Gossett, a church member.
“It’s heartbreaking because my kids ask, ‘Where is Pastor Jeff and why is he bad?’” said Danielle Naidow, another church member. “And it’s hard to explain to a 10 and 14-year-old.”
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