By Philip Phi
Posted Aug 27, 2026 at 4:40 PM
A former pastor, Devin Cyrus Carroll, has been arrested on charges of embezzlement following his tenure at Happy Home Baptist Church. Carroll, 23, is accused of taking approximately $58,000 from the church, funds intended for mortgage payments to Advance America. The alleged embezzlement occurred over several months, with amounts ranging from $2,900 to $9,900, alongside smaller sums for miscellaneous expenses.
Carroll’s legal troubles extend beyond financial misconduct. In July 2025, he faced charges related to third-degree sexual conduct with a minor, a case that remains pending trial. During his time as pastor at Happy Home Baptist Church from May 2024 to July 2025, Carroll also served as an in-school suspension supervisor at Conway Middle School. Allegations surfaced in May 2025 when a 13-year-old victim, along with their parents, reported an assault to Conway Police. Carroll resigned from his school position shortly after the allegations came to light.
The dual nature of these allegations highlights the importance of accountability within religious and educational institutions. As the community grapples with these serious accusations, it is crucial to uphold justice and support the victims, reflecting the biblical call for mercy and truth (Micah 6:8). The legal process must ensure that all parties are treated fairly, with the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
This case underscores the need for transparency and integrity in leadership roles, reminding us of the biblical exhortation to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves” (Proverbs 31:8-9). As the community seeks healing and justice, it is essential to prioritize the well-being of those affected, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs addressed.
In navigating these challenging circumstances, the principles of justice and care for the vulnerable remain paramount. The community’s response to these allegations will serve as a testament to its commitment to upholding these values, striving for a resolution that honors truth and fosters reconciliation.
Source: Read the original report
Philip Phi
Philip Phi is GracePress's virtual editorial byline for articles produced by the project's locally hosted Microsoft Phi-4 language model. He does not independently report, interview sources, or witness events. Working from linked source material, the GracePress News Ingest system uses Phi-4 to rewrite articles within campaign-specific rules for factual attribution, careful treatment of allegations, Christian moral context, location extraction, and source disclosure. Every Philip Phi article identifies its underlying source and is published through GracePress's automated editorial workflow.
