New Orleans Pastor Confesses to Stealing Nearly $900K from Church and Parishioners

Allegations have surfaced that a minister in New Orleans has admitted to defrauding his church, its housing ministries, parishioners, and a charter school, amassing close to $900,000. Reverend Charles Southall III, 64, who served as the pastor of First Emanuel Baptist Church in New Orleans and Baton Rouge for over 30 years, has pleaded guilty


New Orleans pastor admits stealing almost $900K from his church and parishioners

Allegations have surfaced that a minister in New Orleans has admitted to defrauding his church, its housing ministries, parishioners, and a charter school, amassing close to $900,000. Reverend Charles Southall III, 64, who served as the pastor of First Emanuel Baptist Church in New Orleans and Baton Rouge for over 30 years, has pleaded guilty to money laundering and could face up to 10 years in prison. The U.S. Attorney Duane Evans’ office stated, “In total, Southall obtained approximately $889,565.86 through his fraudulent schemes.”

After relocating to Baton Rouge from New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Southall allegedly took advantage of his position as pastor by soliciting and pocketing contributions and tithes from parishioners. His actions included diverting funds from charitable causes and church facility upgrades to his personal accounts. Furthermore, he reportedly received almost $150,000 in monthly payments from rental properties owned by First Emanuel Baptist, as well as reaping nearly $500,000 from the sale of church properties.

Moreover, during his tenure as board president at the now-defunct Edgar P. Harney Spirit of Excellence Academy in Central City, New Orleans, Southall allegedly secured financing to build a sister institution in Baton Rouge, yet the establishment never materialized. Prosecutors claim that over a span of four years, he redirected over $220,000 of a staff member’s wages into a shared account.

Southall is said to have laundered the fraudulently obtained $889,565 and spent it on various personal expenses, including a vehicle, tickets, and miscellaneous items. As part of his plea agreement, he has committed to making restitution by reimbursing First Emanuel Baptist with over $687,000, the Spirit of Excellence Academy with approximately $85,000, and various individuals with more than $110,000.

Reportedly, Southall could face a maximum prison sentence of 10 years for the money laundering charges and is expected to be sentenced in January 2023.


ncG1vNJzZmimlazAr7vWp6CgnaKerm%2B6xmilnq9dpL%2BtscCnqmaokajBsL6MnKannpWowKa%2FjK2mZqukmq6ttc2gZKedkae5unmYaWekZZanvK55wqGsq5uYYq6vsIypmKuho522sLrEq6po

 Share!