Six Arrested for Theft from Kingston United Methodist Church’s Clothes Closet

By Gwen Posted Aug 4, 2026 at 5:34 AM

Kingston police announced the arrest of six individuals accused of stealing from the Kingston United Methodist Church’s Clothes Closet. The suspects, identified as Regina Headrick, Paula Stinnett, Terri Golden, Tommie Woodby, David Abbott, and Leslie Baker, are charged with theft under $500. Each has an individual court date set, with the first proceeding scheduled for early November.
According to police reports, the thefts were captured on security footage. The suspects allegedly arrived at the church’s donation drop-off and loaded their van with items before leaving. This incident is reported to be one of at least seven separate thefts from the drop-off location.
Pastor Charles Harrison of Kingston United Methodist Church expressed understanding regarding the arrests but emphasized the church’s commitment to serving the community. “Just pulling up and not looking to see what it was, but grabbing it and filling their car full of stuff,” Harrison stated. He added that the church prioritizes helping those in need through its Clothes Closet, ensuring that no one is turned away due to their inability to pay.
The Clothes Closet collects donations from the community and sells them affordably to individuals facing financial hardships. Harrison clarified that if someone cannot afford an item, the church will provide it free of charge, reinforcing their mission of compassion and mercy.
The church’s Clothes Closet is more than just a local resource; it supports numerous missions worldwide. Pastor Harrison noted that all proceeds from the closet’s operations are directed to approximately 75 different missions, underscoring the interconnectedness of local and global Christian outreach.
This situation highlights the importance of safeguarding resources meant for those in need, reflecting the biblical call to care for the vulnerable. As the church continues its work, it serves as a reminder of the need for both accountability and grace in addressing such challenges.

Source: Read the original report

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Kingston, Roane County, East Tennessee, Tennessee, United States

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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.

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