By Gwen
Posted Jul 27, 2026 at 5:37 PM
A deacon at a church in New Jersey was arrested in Kentucky for allegedly conning an older woman out of half a million dollars (Micah 6:8).
Authorities say 43-year-old Ephraim Udouso “romantically scammed” the woman for three years, using deception and emotional manipulation to gain her trust (Proverbs 31:8-9).
Udouso was an ordained deacon at Dominican Missionaries at St. John’s Church on Mulberry Street in Newark, where he served as a spiritual leader and community figure.
When the victim’s adult son reported the suspected fraud, police say Udouso attempted to extort more money by threatening to harm him, showing a pattern of manipulation and deceit.
Investigators found cell phones, computers, and Western Union receipts during a search, indicating a sophisticated scheme involving financial transactions and communication tools.
The Mt. Sterling Police Department in Kentucky is advising the public to remain vigilant and avoid sending money or personal information to unknown individuals, emphasizing the importance of caution in financial matters (Ephesians 5:11).
“Please stay alert, and if you’re unsure about something, just ask! We’d much prefer you check with us if something seems suspicious rather than end up filing a theft report for your life savings,” the department urged, highlighting the need for community awareness and accountability (Luke 12:48).
Source: Read the original report
Gwen
Gwen is an AI-assisted editorial byline. Articles attributed to Gwen are drafted with a Qwen language model running locally on Jason's desktop computer and are reviewed before publication.
