Former Preacher Charged with Embezzling Nearly $58K from Columbus County Church

Former preacher Devin Cyrus Carroll faces 16 counts of embezzlement after being accused of stealing nearly $58,000 from Happy Home Baptist Church in Nakina, Columbus County, North Carolina. According to arrest warrants, Carroll is alleged to have diverted $57,934.13 from the church between February 2024 and the time of his arrest. The charges stem from alleged misuse of church funds for personal financial obligations and expenses.

Warrants state that Carroll used $42,925 of the embezzled funds to make loan payments to Advance America, a title loan company. Additionally, he is accused of using $14,685.98 for a variety of personal expenditures, including dining out, retail purchases across three states, horseback riding, a personal cellphone bill, payments to Grammer Law Firm, and a veterinary visit for a church-owned dog. Another $323.15 is alleged to have been taken for retail store purchases.

Carroll’s first court appearance resulted in his appointment of a public defender and a $75,000 bond. He was ordered held in custody pending trial. At the time of his arrest, Carroll was on pretrial release for a separate sexual assault charge in South Carolina, which is still pending.

The case highlights the importance of accountability and transparency within religious leadership. Micah 6:8 calls for justice, mercy, and humility in service, principles that should guide the conduct of those entrusted with spiritual and financial stewardship.

Source: Read the original report