Charlotte Bishop Shawn Smith Charged With Family Dollar Theft

Bishop Shawn Sacar Smith, 48, pastor of Progressive Church of Jesus of the Apostolic Faith The Cathedral of Praise, has been charged with felony larceny by employee after allegedly stealing $883.31 in cash and merchandise from his former employer, Family Dollar, on August 23, 2025. According to a warrant filed in Mecklenburg County, Smith is accused of unlawfully and willfully embezzling and converting company funds and goods to his own use, with the intent to defraud the employer.

The criminal complaint alleges that Smith committed the act without the consent of Family Dollar, which is a violation of both state and federal laws governing employee conduct. The charge carries potential legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment, depending on the court’s determination of the case’s facts and mitigating factors.

Smith was arrested last Tuesday and released on a written promise to appear in court. He has not yet been convicted, and the case remains under investigation. The legal process will determine the outcome, and any resolution will be based on the evidence presented in court.

The source material includes allegations of financial misconduct by Smith beyond the Family Dollar incident. It mentions that Smith has been accused of renting properties for housing without paying rent and charging elderly individuals rent without the owner’s consent. These claims suggest a pattern of financial exploitation, though they have not been proven in a court of law.

The source also references a broader pattern of alleged deceit and financial mismanagement, including claims that Smith owes over $20,000 to property owners who believed he was a man of God. These allegations, if true, would represent a serious breach of trust and ethical responsibility, particularly for someone in a position of spiritual leadership.

The source material includes strong language that frames Smith’s actions as deceptive and harmful, suggesting a moral and spiritual failing. It references biblical themes of accountability and justice, emphasizing the need for truth and righteousness in the face of wrongdoing. The text also calls for prayers for victims and a recognition of the spiritual implications of such actions.

The case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in leadership, whether in religious or secular contexts. It serves as a reminder of the biblical call to act with integrity and to care for the vulnerable, as outlined in Micah 6:8 and Proverbs 31:8-9. The pursuit of justice and the protection of victims remain central to the legal and moral response to such allegations.

Source: Read the original report