Former Pastor Charged with Embezzling Nearly $58K from NC Baptist Church

In a recent legal development, Devin Cyrus Carroll, a former pastor, faces 16 felony counts of embezzlement. The allegations involve the misappropriation of nearly $58,000 from Happy Home Baptist Church in Nakina, North Carolina, where Carroll previously served. According to court documents, the alleged embezzlement occurred on or around February 27, 2024, during Carroll’s tenure as an employee of the church. His role as pastor began in May 2024, after the alleged misappropriation.

Carroll, 23, of Conway, South Carolina, was arrested on August 26 in connection with these charges. The arrest warrants detail that Carroll allegedly used church funds for personal expenditures, including loan repayments, personal expenses, and various retail purchases. A significant portion of the funds, totaling $42,925, was reportedly used to make payments on outstanding loans with Advance America, a lender known for payday and installment loans.

The remaining allegations involve Carroll’s use of church funds for personal expenses, such as restaurant purchases, horseback riding, a visit to a local water park, veterinary bills for his dog, personal cell phone bills, retail purchases, and legal expenses. These actions have led to the charges, which underscore the importance of accountability and integrity within church leadership, as highlighted by biblical teachings such as Micah 6:8, which calls for justice, mercy, and humility.

Carroll’s legal troubles extend beyond the embezzlement case. He was previously arrested in July 2025 in South Carolina on charges related to third-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor, stemming from an alleged incident at Conway Middle School, where he worked as an in-school suspension aide. At the time of his arrest on the embezzlement charges, Carroll was on pretrial release for the South Carolina case.

This situation serves as a sobering reminder of the need for vigilance and accountability within religious institutions. As Proverbs 31:8-9 urges, speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves and defending the rights of the poor and needy, the church community must prioritize transparency and justice. This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by religious organizations in maintaining trust and integrity, emphasizing the importance of repentance and reconciliation in the wake of wrongdoing.

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