Criminal charges are not easy to face. As a result, it is important that individuals accused of any crime gain reliable information that could help them through their legal cases. Accusations of theft or other illegal actions could have lasting consequences if a conviction takes place, which is why it is important that individuals facing allegations understand their defense options.
A couple in Pennsylvania will certainly want to find their best courses of action for defending against charges after recently being taken into custody. Reports indicated that the couple is a pastor and his wife, who also works at the church, and that a former employee of the church filed a complaint with law enforcement claiming that the couple allegedly misappropriated funds from the church. The former employee reportedly stated that she was told by the pastor’s wife to use church funds to pay credit cards in the couple’s names and to pay bills for personal purchases.
Law enforcement began an investigation in May and have purportedly discovered that the couple signed an agreement to receive $800 a week in compensation for their church services. However, the couple allegedly appropriated more than $25,000 for personal use. The couple was recently taken into custody on charges for theft by unlawful taking, theft by deception, receiving stolen property and more.
Facing theft charges can have a considerable impact on the lives of these Pennsylvania residents. They are likely concerned and overwhelmed by the accusations they face, especially since they are felony charges. Fortunately, they do not have to go into their cases without the right information as local legal resources could provide them with much-needed insight.