Christian school director in Greer, South Carolina, charged with breach of trust over alleged theft from church

The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office Economic Crimes Unit has arrested a woman who served as director of an Upstate Christian school, on a charge of breach of trust greater than $10,000. Deputies say the arrest followed an investigation into alleged financial misconduct involving Covenant Church Academy, located at 1310 Old Spartanburg Road in Greer. The charge is an accusation at this stage.

Deputies said 45-year-old Tyler McGatha was charged Tuesday and released after posting a $10,000 bond.

According to officials, the investigation began in November 2025, when church leadership contacted the sheriff’s office with concerns that McGatha, who served as director of Covenant Church Academy, may have been taking money from the church. During the investigation, the church also conducted a forensic audit.

Investigators determined that McGatha had manipulated payroll records by crediting at least two part-time employees with more hours than they had actually worked, resulting in overpayment from school funds. According to a warrant, this conduct occurred between January 2019 and August 2025. Accurate records and honest dealing with funds held for others carry particular weight in a ministry setting (Proverbs 11:1).

Officials said investigators also found that McGatha accepted cash payments from new enrollees in exchange for guaranteeing placement into the school. Investigators believe she kept that money for personal use rather than depositing it with the organization. These claims are part of the investigation and have not been tested in court.

Deputies also said investigators discovered McGatha used the church’s credit card to make personal purchases.

Covenant Church and Covenant Christian Academy issued a statement regarding McGatha’s arrest. The text of that statement was not included in the material available for this report.

Source: Read the original report