Bertie County: Former First Baptist Missionary Church Treasurer Indicted on Embezzlement Charges

Former First Baptist Missionary Church of Powellsville Financial Secretary Genia Canada has been indicted on five counts of embezzlement. Canada surrendered to the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office on June 12 and was released on a $5,000 bond pending further proceedings.
The indictment stems from an investigation initiated in 2023 after church officials suspected fraudulent activity involving church funds that had not been authorized by the congregation. According to the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office, Canada refused to release church financial records or account for expenditures not approved by the church leadership during the investigation.
Investigators obtained warrants related to Canada’s case in April 2024. Initially, the warrant focused on one count of embezzlement after Canada failed to produce the requested records. However, the investigation continued, and by June 11, the full scope of the allegations was reviewed, leading to the issuance of five embezzlement charges against Canada.
Pastor Deon Gatling expressed concern about the impact on the small congregation, noting that the alleged financial misconduct affects everyone involved. “This was everyone’s money. The church is a small church of local people, many are elderly. We can’t afford this loss,” Gatling stated, highlighting the vulnerability of the community.
The charges against Canada could carry significant penalties in Bertie County, North Carolina. Embezzlement by a treasurer of a charitable or religious organization is treated with seriousness, and convictions involving amounts exceeding $100,000 could lead to a Class C felony with a potential prison sentence ranging from 58 to 73 months, depending on prior record.
Canada is scheduled to appear in Bertie County District Court on Wednesday, June 25, at 10 a.m.

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