{"id":586,"date":"2025-01-25T04:17:07","date_gmt":"2025-01-25T04:17:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/originaltastex.com\/?p=586"},"modified":"2025-01-25T04:17:07","modified_gmt":"2025-01-25T04:17:07","slug":"pastor-stole-thousands-from-hurricane-relief-fund","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/originaltastex.com\/?p=586","title":{"rendered":"Pastor Stole Thousands From Hurricane Relief Fund"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>A pastor from North Carolina has been apprehended and charged with embezzlement for the improper use of funds intended for hurricane relief efforts. This incident adds to a lengthy criminal history of financial offenses spanning nearly two decades. The McDowell County Sheriff\u2019s Office reported that 60-year-old Jeffrey Brian Merrow faces charges of felony embezzlement and felony larceny.<\/p>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-3\"><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-9221018705729438\" data-ad-slot=\"2925430361\" data-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\" data-adsbygoogle-status=\"done\" data-ad-status=\"unfilled\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"aswift_3_host\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" id=\"aswift_3\" tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Advertisement\" src=\"https:\/\/googleads.g.doubleclick.net\/pagead\/ads?client=ca-pub-9221018705729438&amp;output=html&amp;h=280&amp;slotname=2925430361&amp;adk=267894448&amp;adf=3653652369&amp;pi=t.ma~as.2925430361&amp;w=820&amp;abgtt=6&amp;fwrn=4&amp;fwrnh=100&amp;lmt=1737760904&amp;rafmt=1&amp;format=820x280&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fcelebys.com%2Fpastor-stole-thousands-from-hurricane-relief-fund%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwY2xjawIBRLFleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHauu1N-L2Mpdeps0p-cTh6wQPIEdS2ZDozjGTk_99e3_ASOydXLdaBflmw_aem_axLjJ1vox1_gHgLGmR7m7Q&amp;fwr=0&amp;fwrattr=true&amp;rpe=1&amp;resp_fmts=3&amp;wgl=1&amp;uach=WyJXaW5kb3dzIiwiMTAuMC4wIiwieDg2IiwiIiwiMTMyLjAuMjk1Ny4xMTUiLG51bGwsMCxudWxsLCI2NCIsW1siTm90IEEoQnJhbmQiLCI4LjAuMC4wIl0sWyJDaHJvbWl1bSIsIjEzMi4wLjY4MzQuODQiXSxbIk1pY3Jvc29mdCBFZGdlIiwiMTMyLjAuMjk1Ny4xMTUiXV0sMF0.&amp;dt=1737778532099&amp;bpp=2&amp;bdt=810&amp;idt=1444&amp;shv=r20250121&amp;mjsv=m202501220101&amp;ptt=9&amp;saldr=aa&amp;abxe=1&amp;cookie=ID%3D46c5d2c9af379dde%3AT%3D1737731289%3ART%3D1737731289%3AS%3DALNI_MZARAV_SZXbCIWw76v1yf8cQIKxvw&amp;gpic=UID%3D00000fefb804e1ce%3AT%3D1737731289%3ART%3D1737731289%3AS%3DALNI_MYDbphECzBbpMpBrMFSHW8tdCWeVA&amp;eo_id_str=ID%3D9019ba0a77c96021%3AT%3D1737731289%3ART%3D1737731289%3AS%3DAA-AfjaO9vXKpa9HndzMOSZp1YaY&amp;prev_fmts=0x0%2C1200x280%2C820x280&amp;nras=1&amp;correlator=7224844937449&amp;frm=20&amp;pv=1&amp;u_tz=60&amp;u_his=1&amp;u_h=1080&amp;u_w=1920&amp;u_ah=1040&amp;u_aw=1920&amp;u_cd=24&amp;u_sd=1&amp;dmc=4&amp;adx=515&amp;ady=1450&amp;biw=1850&amp;bih=964&amp;scr_x=0&amp;scr_y=0&amp;eid=95349946%2C95344788%2C31089943%2C95335247%2C95347432&amp;oid=2&amp;pvsid=4391217764637802&amp;tmod=563057399&amp;wsm=1&amp;uas=0&amp;nvt=1&amp;ref=https%3A%2F%2Fl.facebook.com%2F&amp;fc=1920&amp;brdim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C1920%2C0%2C1920%2C1040%2C1865%2C964&amp;vis=1&amp;rsz=%7C%7CeEbr%7C&amp;abl=CS&amp;pfx=0&amp;fu=128&amp;bc=31&amp;bz=1.03&amp;td=1&amp;tdf=2&amp;psd=W251bGwsbnVsbCxudWxsLDNd&amp;nt=1&amp;ifi=4&amp;uci=a!4&amp;btvi=2&amp;fsb=1&amp;dtd=1450\" name=\"aswift_3\" width=\"820\" height=\"0\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" sandbox=\"allow-forms allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation\" data-google-container-id=\"a!4\" aria-label=\"Advertisement\" data-google-query-id=\"CP_Y68GBkIsDFT-JgwcdKJ8eWA\" data-load-complete=\"true\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p><\/ins><\/div>\n<p>Merrow previously held the position of pastor at Garden Creek Baptist Church. His arrest followed an extensive investigation into the alleged misappropriation of funds contributed by church members for hurricane relief. Hurricane Helene caused over $59.6 billion in property damage and resulted in more than 100 fatalities in North Carolina.<\/p>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-1\"><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-9221018705729438\" data-ad-slot=\"1566954572\" data-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\" data-adsbygoogle-status=\"done\" data-ad-status=\"unfilled\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"aswift_4_host\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" id=\"aswift_4\" tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Advertisement\" src=\"https:\/\/googleads.g.doubleclick.net\/pagead\/ads?client=ca-pub-9221018705729438&amp;output=html&amp;h=280&amp;slotname=1566954572&amp;adk=2998997624&amp;adf=1420891293&amp;pi=t.ma~as.1566954572&amp;w=820&amp;abgtt=6&amp;fwrn=4&amp;fwrnh=100&amp;lmt=1737760904&amp;rafmt=1&amp;format=820x280&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fcelebys.com%2Fpastor-stole-thousands-from-hurricane-relief-fund%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwY2xjawIBRLFleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHauu1N-L2Mpdeps0p-cTh6wQPIEdS2ZDozjGTk_99e3_ASOydXLdaBflmw_aem_axLjJ1vox1_gHgLGmR7m7Q&amp;fwr=0&amp;fwrattr=true&amp;rpe=1&amp;resp_fmts=3&amp;wgl=1&amp;uach=WyJXaW5kb3dzIiwiMTAuMC4wIiwieDg2IiwiIiwiMTMyLjAuMjk1Ny4xMTUiLG51bGwsMCxudWxsLCI2NCIsW1siTm90IEEoQnJhbmQiLCI4LjAuMC4wIl0sWyJDaHJvbWl1bSIsIjEzMi4wLjY4MzQuODQiXSxbIk1pY3Jvc29mdCBFZGdlIiwiMTMyLjAuMjk1Ny4xMTUiXV0sMF0.&amp;dt=1737778532101&amp;bpp=3&amp;bdt=812&amp;idt=1480&amp;shv=r20250121&amp;mjsv=m202501220101&amp;ptt=9&amp;saldr=aa&amp;abxe=1&amp;cookie=ID%3D46c5d2c9af379dde%3AT%3D1737731289%3ART%3D1737731289%3AS%3DALNI_MZARAV_SZXbCIWw76v1yf8cQIKxvw&amp;gpic=UID%3D00000fefb804e1ce%3AT%3D1737731289%3ART%3D1737731289%3AS%3DALNI_MYDbphECzBbpMpBrMFSHW8tdCWeVA&amp;eo_id_str=ID%3D9019ba0a77c96021%3AT%3D1737731289%3ART%3D1737731289%3AS%3DAA-AfjaO9vXKpa9HndzMOSZp1YaY&amp;prev_fmts=0x0%2C1200x280%2C820x280%2C820x280&amp;nras=1&amp;correlator=7224844937449&amp;frm=20&amp;pv=1&amp;u_tz=60&amp;u_his=1&amp;u_h=1080&amp;u_w=1920&amp;u_ah=1040&amp;u_aw=1920&amp;u_cd=24&amp;u_sd=1&amp;dmc=4&amp;adx=515&amp;ady=1864&amp;biw=1850&amp;bih=964&amp;scr_x=0&amp;scr_y=0&amp;eid=95349946%2C95344788%2C31089943%2C95335247%2C95347432&amp;oid=2&amp;pvsid=4391217764637802&amp;tmod=563057399&amp;wsm=1&amp;uas=0&amp;nvt=1&amp;ref=https%3A%2F%2Fl.facebook.com%2F&amp;fc=1920&amp;brdim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C1920%2C0%2C1920%2C1040%2C1865%2C964&amp;vis=1&amp;rsz=%7C%7CeEbr%7C&amp;abl=CS&amp;pfx=0&amp;fu=128&amp;bc=31&amp;bz=1.03&amp;td=1&amp;tdf=2&amp;psd=W251bGwsbnVsbCxudWxsLDNd&amp;nt=1&amp;ifi=5&amp;uci=a!5&amp;btvi=3&amp;fsb=1&amp;dtd=1504\" name=\"aswift_4\" width=\"820\" height=\"0\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" sandbox=\"allow-forms allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation\" data-google-container-id=\"a!5\" aria-label=\"Advertisement\" data-google-query-id=\"CLexrcKBkIsDFWeHgwcdpWUQfw\" data-load-complete=\"true\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p><\/ins><\/div>\n<p>The investigation into Merrow\u2019s alleged misconduct began when church members raised concerns regarding \u201cembezzlement, fraud, and theft\u201d in October of the previous year, shortly after Hurricane Helene impacted the western regions of the state. Suspicious congregants provided law enforcement with \u201cnumerous receipts\u201d for \u201cgoods that were never purchased or services that were never rendered, all paid for using church funds.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-5\"><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-9221018705729438\" data-ad-slot=\"6216113503\" data-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\" data-adsbygoogle-status=\"done\" data-ad-status=\"unfilled\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"aswift_5_host\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" id=\"aswift_5\" tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Advertisement\" src=\"https:\/\/googleads.g.doubleclick.net\/pagead\/ads?client=ca-pub-9221018705729438&amp;output=html&amp;h=280&amp;slotname=6216113503&amp;adk=3116860906&amp;adf=279203141&amp;pi=t.ma~as.6216113503&amp;w=820&amp;abgtt=6&amp;fwrn=4&amp;fwrnh=100&amp;lmt=1737760904&amp;rafmt=1&amp;format=820x280&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fcelebys.com%2Fpastor-stole-thousands-from-hurricane-relief-fund%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwY2xjawIBRLFleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHauu1N-L2Mpdeps0p-cTh6wQPIEdS2ZDozjGTk_99e3_ASOydXLdaBflmw_aem_axLjJ1vox1_gHgLGmR7m7Q&amp;fwr=0&amp;fwrattr=true&amp;rpe=1&amp;resp_fmts=3&amp;wgl=1&amp;uach=WyJXaW5kb3dzIiwiMTAuMC4wIiwieDg2IiwiIiwiMTMyLjAuMjk1Ny4xMTUiLG51bGwsMCxudWxsLCI2NCIsW1siTm90IEEoQnJhbmQiLCI4LjAuMC4wIl0sWyJDaHJvbWl1bSIsIjEzMi4wLjY4MzQuODQiXSxbIk1pY3Jvc29mdCBFZGdlIiwiMTMyLjAuMjk1Ny4xMTUiXV0sMF0.&amp;dt=1737778532104&amp;bpp=1&amp;bdt=815&amp;idt=1513&amp;shv=r20250121&amp;mjsv=m202501220101&amp;ptt=9&amp;saldr=aa&amp;abxe=1&amp;cookie=ID%3D46c5d2c9af379dde%3AT%3D1737731289%3ART%3D1737731289%3AS%3DALNI_MZARAV_SZXbCIWw76v1yf8cQIKxvw&amp;gpic=UID%3D00000fefb804e1ce%3AT%3D1737731289%3ART%3D1737731289%3AS%3DALNI_MYDbphECzBbpMpBrMFSHW8tdCWeVA&amp;eo_id_str=ID%3D9019ba0a77c96021%3AT%3D1737731289%3ART%3D1737731289%3AS%3DAA-AfjaO9vXKpa9HndzMOSZp1YaY&amp;prev_fmts=0x0%2C1200x280%2C820x280%2C820x280%2C820x280&amp;nras=1&amp;correlator=7224844937449&amp;frm=20&amp;pv=1&amp;u_tz=60&amp;u_his=1&amp;u_h=1080&amp;u_w=1920&amp;u_ah=1040&amp;u_aw=1920&amp;u_cd=24&amp;u_sd=1&amp;dmc=4&amp;adx=515&amp;ady=2305&amp;biw=1850&amp;bih=964&amp;scr_x=0&amp;scr_y=0&amp;eid=95349946%2C95344788%2C31089943%2C95335247%2C95347432&amp;oid=2&amp;pvsid=4391217764637802&amp;tmod=563057399&amp;wsm=1&amp;uas=0&amp;nvt=1&amp;ref=https%3A%2F%2Fl.facebook.com%2F&amp;fc=1920&amp;brdim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C1920%2C0%2C1920%2C1040%2C1865%2C964&amp;vis=1&amp;rsz=%7C%7CeEbr%7C&amp;abl=CS&amp;pfx=0&amp;fu=128&amp;bc=31&amp;bz=1.03&amp;td=1&amp;tdf=2&amp;psd=W251bGwsbnVsbCxudWxsLDNd&amp;nt=1&amp;ifi=6&amp;uci=a!6&amp;btvi=4&amp;fsb=1&amp;dtd=1517\" name=\"aswift_5\" width=\"820\" height=\"0\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" sandbox=\"allow-forms allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation\" data-google-container-id=\"a!6\" aria-label=\"Advertisement\" data-google-query-id=\"CPuzrcKBkIsDFQeJgwcdIj8FYQ\" data-load-complete=\"true\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p><\/ins><\/div>\n<p>The sheriff\u2019s office further noted that \u201cchurch members also reported that substantial cash donations for hurricane relief, collected from attendees and the community, were given to Merrow but were never submitted for their intended purpose.\u201d Additionally, it was reported that community-donated items for hurricane relief, including generators, chainsaws, and heaters, were allegedly stolen.<\/p>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-7\">\n<div class=\"ob-smartfeed-wrapper feedIdx-0\">\n<div id=\"outbrain_widget_0\" class=\"OUTBRAIN\" data-widget-id=\"SMP_DT_IA\" data-ob-mark=\"true\" data-browser=\"chrome\" data-os=\"win32\" data-dynload=\"\" data-idx=\"0\">\n<div class=\"ob-widget ob-feed-layout SMP_DT_IA\">\n<div class=\"ob-widget-header\">\n<div class=\"ob_what ob_what_resp\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ob-cards\">\n<div id=\"outbrain_widget_1001\" class=\"OUTBRAIN\" data-src=\"https:\/\/celebys.com\/pastor-stole-thousands-from-hurricane-relief-fund\/\" data-widget-id=\"FMS_CP_1\" data-card-idx=\"1\" data-feed-father-idx=\"0\" data-ob-mark=\"true\" data-browser=\"chrome\" data-os=\"win32\" data-dynload=\"\" data-idx=\"1001\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"ob-widget ob-grid-layout FMS_CP_1 ob-feed-idx-0-11741-81756\" data-dynamic-truncate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"ob-widget-header\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"wrapperContainerForShadowDom_outbrain_widget_1001\">\n<div id=\"outbrain_widget_1001_FMS_CP_1_playerWrapper\" class=\"ob-player-wrapper above-widget obv-hide-wrapper\">\n<div 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Discount\" src=\"https:\/\/images.outbrainimg.com\/transform\/v3\/eyJpdSI6IjBjZGJhY2UxNmQwNmMyNGZmYmRlMTVmNjNjZTdhNzRlNDM2YjNkMWViYTkyMWUwNzA5ZTVhY2QxOTNjZTQ2ZTgiLCJ3Ijo2MDAsImgiOjQwMCwiZCI6MS4wLCJjcyI6MCwiZiI6NH0.webp\" alt=\"Sylvester Stallone Sells Los Angeles Mansion Once Asking $110 Million\u2014for a Steep Discount\" aria-hidden=\"true\" \/><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<section class=\"ob-sub-units ob-cta\"><span class=\"ob-unit ob-rec-text\" title=\"Sylvester Stallone Sells Los Angeles Mansion Once Asking $110 Million\u2014for a Steep Discount\" data-type=\"Title\">Sylvester Stallone Sells Los Angeles Mansion Once Asking $110 Million\u2014for a Steep Discount<\/span><span class=\"ob-unit ob-rec-source\" data-type=\"Source\">Sponsored | Mansion Global<\/span><\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ob-widget-footer\">\n<div class=\"ob-pixels\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ob-widget-footer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-6\"><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-9221018705729438\" data-ad-slot=\"9520137539\" data-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\" data-adsbygoogle-status=\"done\" data-ad-status=\"unfilled\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"aswift_6_host\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" id=\"aswift_6\" tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Advertisement\" src=\"https:\/\/googleads.g.doubleclick.net\/pagead\/ads?client=ca-pub-9221018705729438&amp;output=html&amp;h=280&amp;slotname=9520137539&amp;adk=253443198&amp;adf=808028647&amp;pi=t.ma~as.9520137539&amp;w=820&amp;abgtt=6&amp;fwrn=4&amp;fwrnh=100&amp;lmt=1737760904&amp;rafmt=1&amp;format=820x280&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fcelebys.com%2Fpastor-stole-thousands-from-hurricane-relief-fund%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwY2xjawIBRLFleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHauu1N-L2Mpdeps0p-cTh6wQPIEdS2ZDozjGTk_99e3_ASOydXLdaBflmw_aem_axLjJ1vox1_gHgLGmR7m7Q&amp;fwr=0&amp;fwrattr=true&amp;rpe=1&amp;resp_fmts=3&amp;wgl=1&amp;uach=WyJXaW5kb3dzIiwiMTAuMC4wIiwieDg2IiwiIiwiMTMyLjAuMjk1Ny4xMTUiLG51bGwsMCxudWxsLCI2NCIsW1siTm90IEEoQnJhbmQiLCI4LjAuMC4wIl0sWyJDaHJvbWl1bSIsIjEzMi4wLjY4MzQuODQiXSxbIk1pY3Jvc29mdCBFZGdlIiwiMTMyLjAuMjk1Ny4xMTUiXV0sMF0.&amp;dt=1737778532105&amp;bpp=2&amp;bdt=816&amp;idt=3822&amp;shv=r20250121&amp;mjsv=m202501220101&amp;ptt=9&amp;saldr=aa&amp;abxe=1&amp;cookie=ID%3D46c5d2c9af379dde%3AT%3D1737731289%3ART%3D1737731289%3AS%3DALNI_MZARAV_SZXbCIWw76v1yf8cQIKxvw&amp;gpic=UID%3D00000fefb804e1ce%3AT%3D1737731289%3ART%3D1737731289%3AS%3DALNI_MYDbphECzBbpMpBrMFSHW8tdCWeVA&amp;eo_id_str=ID%3D9019ba0a77c96021%3AT%3D1737731289%3ART%3D1737731289%3AS%3DAA-AfjaO9vXKpa9HndzMOSZp1YaY&amp;prev_fmts=0x0%2C1200x280%2C820x280%2C820x280%2C820x280%2C820x280&amp;nras=1&amp;correlator=7224844937449&amp;frm=20&amp;pv=1&amp;u_tz=60&amp;u_his=1&amp;u_h=1080&amp;u_w=1920&amp;u_ah=1040&amp;u_aw=1920&amp;u_cd=24&amp;u_sd=1&amp;dmc=4&amp;adx=515&amp;ady=2746&amp;biw=1850&amp;bih=964&amp;scr_x=0&amp;scr_y=0&amp;eid=95349946%2C95344788%2C31089943%2C95335247%2C95347432&amp;oid=2&amp;pvsid=4391217764637802&amp;tmod=563057399&amp;wsm=1&amp;uas=3&amp;nvt=1&amp;ref=https%3A%2F%2Fl.facebook.com%2F&amp;fc=1920&amp;brdim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C1920%2C0%2C1920%2C1040%2C1865%2C964&amp;vis=1&amp;rsz=%7C%7CeEbr%7C&amp;abl=CS&amp;pfx=0&amp;fu=128&amp;bc=31&amp;bz=1.03&amp;td=1&amp;tdf=2&amp;psd=W251bGwsbnVsbCxudWxsLDNd&amp;nt=1&amp;ifi=7&amp;uci=a!7&amp;btvi=5&amp;fsb=1&amp;dtd=3829\" name=\"aswift_6\" width=\"820\" height=\"0\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" sandbox=\"allow-forms allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation\" data-google-container-id=\"a!7\" aria-label=\"Advertisement\" data-google-query-id=\"CNmu_cKBkIsDFXKngwcdK8sd8g\" data-load-complete=\"true\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p><\/ins><\/div>\n<p>The embezzlement allegations are not the only financial misconduct charges against Merrow. He is currently on \u201csupervised probation for Obtaining Property by False Pretense greater than $100,000\u201d related to an unrelated case. According to the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections, Merrow\u2019s criminal record dates back to 2006, and he has also been convicted for failing to provide buyers with a completed receipt or similar documentation.<\/p>\n<div class=\"google-auto-placed ap_container\"><ins class=\"adsbygoogle adsbygoogle-noablate\" data-ad-format=\"auto\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-9221018705729438\" data-adsbygoogle-status=\"done\" data-ad-status=\"unfilled\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"aswift_7_host\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" id=\"aswift_7\" tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Advertisement\" src=\"https:\/\/googleads.g.doubleclick.net\/pagead\/ads?gdpr=0&amp;client=ca-pub-9221018705729438&amp;output=html&amp;h=280&amp;adk=26494357&amp;adf=2933147461&amp;w=820&amp;abgtt=6&amp;fwrn=4&amp;fwrnh=100&amp;lmt=1737760904&amp;num_ads=1&amp;rafmt=1&amp;armr=3&amp;sem=mc&amp;pwprc=4646703388&amp;ad_type=text_image&amp;format=820x280&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fcelebys.com%2Fpastor-stole-thousands-from-hurricane-relief-fund%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwY2xjawIBRLFleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHauu1N-L2Mpdeps0p-cTh6wQPIEdS2ZDozjGTk_99e3_ASOydXLdaBflmw_aem_axLjJ1vox1_gHgLGmR7m7Q&amp;fwr=0&amp;pra=3&amp;rh=200&amp;rw=820&amp;rpe=1&amp;resp_fmts=3&amp;wgl=1&amp;fa=27&amp;uach=WyJXaW5kb3dzIiwiMTAuMC4wIiwieDg2IiwiIiwiMTMyLjAuMjk1Ny4xMTUiLG51bGwsMCxudWxsLCI2NCIsW1siTm90IEEoQnJhbmQiLCI4LjAuMC4wIl0sWyJDaHJvbWl1bSIsIjEzMi4wLjY4MzQuODQiXSxbIk1pY3Jvc29mdCBFZGdlIiwiMTMyLjAuMjk1Ny4xMTUiXV0sMF0.&amp;dt=1737778536938&amp;bpp=1&amp;bdt=5650&amp;idt=-M&amp;shv=r20250121&amp;mjsv=m202501220101&amp;ptt=9&amp;saldr=aa&amp;abxe=1&amp;cookie=ID%3D46c5d2c9af379dde%3AT%3D1737731289%3ART%3D1737778534%3AS%3DALNI_MZARAV_SZXbCIWw76v1yf8cQIKxvw&amp;gpic=UID%3D00000fefb804e1ce%3AT%3D1737731289%3ART%3D1737778534%3AS%3DALNI_MYDbphECzBbpMpBrMFSHW8tdCWeVA&amp;eo_id_str=ID%3D9019ba0a77c96021%3AT%3D1737731289%3ART%3D1737778534%3AS%3DAA-AfjaO9vXKpa9HndzMOSZp1YaY&amp;prev_fmts=0x0%2C1200x280%2C820x280%2C820x280%2C820x280%2C820x280%2C820x280&amp;nras=2&amp;correlator=7224844937449&amp;frm=20&amp;pv=1&amp;u_tz=60&amp;u_his=1&amp;u_h=1080&amp;u_w=1920&amp;u_ah=1040&amp;u_aw=1920&amp;u_cd=24&amp;u_sd=1&amp;dmc=4&amp;adx=515&amp;ady=2480&amp;biw=1850&amp;bih=964&amp;scr_x=0&amp;scr_y=200&amp;eid=95349946%2C95344788%2C31089943%2C95335247%2C95347432&amp;oid=2&amp;pvsid=4391217764637802&amp;tmod=563057399&amp;wsm=1&amp;uas=3&amp;nvt=1&amp;ref=https%3A%2F%2Fl.facebook.com%2F&amp;fc=1408&amp;brdim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C1920%2C0%2C1920%2C1040%2C1865%2C964&amp;vis=1&amp;rsz=%7C%7Cs%7C&amp;abl=NS&amp;fu=128&amp;bc=31&amp;bz=1.03&amp;td=1&amp;tdf=2&amp;psd=W251bGwsbnVsbCxudWxsLDNd&amp;nt=1&amp;ifi=8&amp;uci=a!8&amp;btvi=6&amp;fsb=1&amp;dtd=121\" name=\"aswift_7\" width=\"820\" height=\"0\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" sandbox=\"allow-forms allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation\" data-google-container-id=\"a!8\" aria-label=\"Advertisement\" data-google-query-id=\"CNqRwsOBkIsDFVDwEQgdBR8IGA\" data-load-complete=\"true\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p><\/ins><\/div>\n<p>He was incarcerated for defrauding individuals of their money from October 2007 to February 2008. Most recently, he received a sentence of 60 months of supervised probation for larceny committed in Camden County in 2021. One of the few digital remnants left by Merrow is an unusual YouTube channel, which features recordings of his sermons at Garden Creek Baptist Church.<\/p>\n<p>This social media account includes a link to a now-inactive blog titled Answers4u2.com. Merrow characterized the blog as a source for \u201canswers to questions about Jesus, God, or the Bible\u201d and as a platform for discussion and connection with others. Although the blog is no longer active, it contains several posts authored by Merrow. These articles cover topics such as \u201cGod\u2019s Methods for Human Growth,\u201d the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, \u201cWhat God Would Watch on TV,\u201d discussions on the Ten Commandments, the Bible, and \u201cHow to Pray.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In contrast, we reported on another pastor\u2019s commendable response to the hurricane. Following the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, Rev. Franklin Graham has spearheaded significant efforts to aid the affected communities, particularly in the Asheville, North Carolina area, where his father, Bill Graham, was born. Graham highlighted the severity of the damage, asserting that it is far more extensive than what is depicted on television.<\/p>\n<div class=\"google-auto-placed ap_container\"><ins class=\"adsbygoogle adsbygoogle-noablate\" data-ad-format=\"auto\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-9221018705729438\" data-adsbygoogle-status=\"done\" data-ad-status=\"unfilled\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"aswift_8_host\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" id=\"aswift_8\" tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Advertisement\" src=\"https:\/\/googleads.g.doubleclick.net\/pagead\/ads?gdpr=0&amp;client=ca-pub-9221018705729438&amp;output=html&amp;h=280&amp;adk=26494357&amp;adf=1601702824&amp;w=820&amp;abgtt=6&amp;fwrn=4&amp;fwrnh=100&amp;lmt=1737760904&amp;num_ads=1&amp;rafmt=1&amp;armr=3&amp;sem=mc&amp;pwprc=4646703388&amp;ad_type=text_image&amp;format=820x280&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fcelebys.com%2Fpastor-stole-thousands-from-hurricane-relief-fund%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwY2xjawIBRLFleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHauu1N-L2Mpdeps0p-cTh6wQPIEdS2ZDozjGTk_99e3_ASOydXLdaBflmw_aem_axLjJ1vox1_gHgLGmR7m7Q&amp;fwr=0&amp;pra=3&amp;rh=200&amp;rw=820&amp;rpe=1&amp;resp_fmts=3&amp;wgl=1&amp;fa=27&amp;uach=WyJXaW5kb3dzIiwiMTAuMC4wIiwieDg2IiwiIiwiMTMyLjAuMjk1Ny4xMTUiLG51bGwsMCxudWxsLCI2NCIsW1siTm90IEEoQnJhbmQiLCI4LjAuMC4wIl0sWyJDaHJvbWl1bSIsIjEzMi4wLjY4MzQuODQiXSxbIk1pY3Jvc29mdCBFZGdlIiwiMTMyLjAuMjk1Ny4xMTUiXV0sMF0.&amp;dt=1737778536938&amp;bpp=1&amp;bdt=5649&amp;idt=-M&amp;shv=r20250121&amp;mjsv=m202501220101&amp;ptt=9&amp;saldr=aa&amp;abxe=1&amp;cookie=ID%3D46c5d2c9af379dde%3AT%3D1737731289%3ART%3D1737778534%3AS%3DALNI_MZARAV_SZXbCIWw76v1yf8cQIKxvw&amp;gpic=UID%3D00000fefb804e1ce%3AT%3D1737731289%3ART%3D1737778534%3AS%3DALNI_MYDbphECzBbpMpBrMFSHW8tdCWeVA&amp;eo_id_str=ID%3D9019ba0a77c96021%3AT%3D1737731289%3ART%3D1737778534%3AS%3DAA-AfjaO9vXKpa9HndzMOSZp1YaY&amp;prev_fmts=0x0%2C1200x280%2C820x280%2C820x280%2C820x280%2C820x280%2C820x280%2C820x280&amp;nras=3&amp;correlator=7224844937449&amp;frm=20&amp;pv=1&amp;u_tz=60&amp;u_his=1&amp;u_h=1080&amp;u_w=1920&amp;u_ah=1040&amp;u_aw=1920&amp;u_cd=24&amp;u_sd=1&amp;dmc=4&amp;adx=515&amp;ady=3246&amp;biw=1850&amp;bih=964&amp;scr_x=0&amp;scr_y=200&amp;eid=95349946%2C95344788%2C31089943%2C95335247%2C95347432&amp;oid=2&amp;pvsid=4391217764637802&amp;tmod=563057399&amp;wsm=1&amp;uas=3&amp;nvt=1&amp;ref=https%3A%2F%2Fl.facebook.com%2F&amp;fc=1408&amp;brdim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C1920%2C0%2C1920%2C1040%2C1865%2C964&amp;vis=1&amp;rsz=%7C%7Cs%7C&amp;abl=NS&amp;fu=128&amp;bc=31&amp;bz=1.03&amp;td=1&amp;tdf=2&amp;psd=W251bGwsbnVsbCxudWxsLDNd&amp;nt=1&amp;ifi=9&amp;uci=a!9&amp;btvi=7&amp;fsb=1&amp;dtd=139\" name=\"aswift_8\" width=\"820\" height=\"0\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" sandbox=\"allow-forms allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation\" data-google-container-id=\"a!9\" aria-label=\"Advertisement\" data-google-query-id=\"COSLw8OBkIsDFXKHgwcdMqwCAw\" data-load-complete=\"true\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p><\/ins><\/div>\n<p>\u201cI believe it\u2019s much worse than what people see on television,\u201d he stated. \u201cThe odors and other aspects cannot be conveyed through a television screen; the conditions in which people are forced to live and work are dire.\u201d Graham has mobilized his faith-based organization, Samaritan\u2019s Purse, to provide assistance and support cleanup initiatives. \u201cWe operate globally, and now we find ourselves working in our own community,\u201d he remarked. \u201cHowever, the most significant aspect of this situation is the spirit of neighbors helping neighbors. That embodies the American spirit, which has always prevailed in times of crisis.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-rumble-com wp-block-embed-rumble-com\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\" title=\"Pastor Charged With Felony Embezzlement For Stealing Thousands From Hurricane Relief Fund\" src=\"https:\/\/rumble.com\/embed\/v6ap5gy\/#?secret=yoPTJeXwPr\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" frameborder=\"0\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" data-secret=\"yoPTJeXwPr\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A pastor from North Carolina has been apprehended and charged with embezzlement for the improper use of funds intended for hurricane relief efforts. This incident adds to a lengthy criminal history of financial offenses&#46;&#46;&#46;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":587,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-586","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"brizy_media":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/originaltastex.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/586","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/originaltastex.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/originaltastex.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/originaltastex.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/originaltastex.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=586"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/originaltastex.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/586\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":588,"href":"https:\/\/originaltastex.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/586\/revisions\/588"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/originaltastex.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/587"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/originaltastex.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=586"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/originaltastex.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=586"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/originaltastex.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=586"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}