Latest Legal News from the Criminal Courts of Los Angeles, California and the U.S.

August 22, 2009

Pastor Charged with Embezzlement

COMPTON – The pastor of the Double Rock Baptist Church in Compton was arrested today on charges he embezzled more than $800,000 from the church.

Eugene Joshua Sims, 47 (dob 10-3-61), was arrested by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department detectives. He is being held on $1.2 million bail.

Deputy District Attorney Tracey Stevens said Sims allegedly set up a private bank account and diverted offerings that members gave to the church into his private account. The alleged embezzlement occurred between March 1, 2000 and Sept. 30, 2008. When church members raised questions, he allegedly threatened members not to say anything in sermons.

The felony complaint for arrest warrant, filed Tuesday, charges Sims with one felony count each of grand theft by embezzlement, dissuading a witness and money laundering. If convicted, he faces up to seven years in state prison.

Sims is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday at Compton Superior Court, Department 12 in case TA107904.

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CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER

JOSEPH SHEMARIA

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Latest Legal News from the Criminal Courts of Los Angeles, California and the U.S.