Man arrested for church fraud
Law enforcement officials have arrested a man they believe to be responsible for defrauding several churches in Van Buren and Stone County as well as churches in the Greenbrier and Quitman area of Faulkner County.
According to a police report, Kenneth Monk, 32, of Alabama, was arrested on Jan. 16, after members of a church in Van Buren County called to report that a man to whom they had previously given money had come back asking for more money. After giving Monk money the first time he asked for assistance, the church members were advised that he had received money from other churches in the area. Investigators noticed a common theme from members of the churches Monk visited, and the report of the investigation indicates that Monk would attend a church service at various churches, then seek prayer at the altar. Following time in prayer, Monk would ask that a “love offering” be taken to help him as he had to travel back to Alabama to help his wife and young son who had been hurt in an automobile accident. This pattern was repeated in various churches. Monk was charged with six counts of theft by deception for taking money from the churches under false pretenses.
When arrested, Monk admitted to investigators that he has been divorced for the past three years and that his children had never been hurt.
Cody Hiland, prosecuting attorney for the Twentieth Judicial District, said that while evidence against Monk is being gathered, he is encouraging any churches in the area that may have helped Monk or had any dealings with him to contact their local law enforcement office or his office. He also said that he believes the situation is unfortunate because it may hinder churches from helping others in the future.
“Sadly, we believe that Mr. Monk’s entire story was fabricated to take advantage of Christian charity and compassion, which is a hallmark of congregations in our community,” he said. “Anytime someone targets a church with false stories, they risk undermining the efforts of congregations by introducing a form of cynicism to church members that is counter productive to the service of those truly in need.”
While Monk’s actions may be immoral to some, in the eyes of the law, he only faces misdemeanor charges due to legislation (Act 570) that changed the criteria needed to be met before someone can be charged with a felony for theft of property. Hiland said that he does believe the change is one that will benefit the community.
“Act 570 increased the threshold amount for theft of property to be charged as a felony from $500 to $1,000,” he explained. “I’m a firm believer that crime increases when the cost of committing a crime comes too cheap for the criminal. Unfortunately, Act 570, by increasing the threshold level of money it takes to reach a felony level, has put out a ‘blue-light special’ on theft of property in this state. This is a disservice to our people because it makes them less safe.”
To report any information on this case, contact local law enforcement officials or contact Hiland’s office at (501) 450-4927.
(Candie Beck is a staff writer and can be reached at 505-1238 or at candie.beck@thecabin.net)
Comments (14)
Add commentLet's take a poll
Who all believes he will make his way here to explain why this isn't his fault? If so, how soon?
in his picture
he's got horns for a reason!
Unbelievable...
Fraud.
In a church.
People giving money to someone telling a good story that turns out to be not true.
A thief preying (yup) on the good intentions of the church-goers.
Also, here's a story of a guy lying about why he needs money.
uh-oh
"People giving money to someone telling a good story that turns out to be not true."
Sounds like he's got what it takes to be a good preacher.
Just say no
If we'd stop giving people money at intersections and parking lots they would go away.
Thief praying on good people
You called?
my husband
once saw one of those people with backpacks (those at stop lights and intersections) give a roll of money to a car once. So I never give money.
"I don't have money for food or gas but I happen to have this sharpie and cardboard to write on".
On the Money
You're on the money with your comment.
I saw a report by ABC once concerning "professional" panhandlers. They sent one of their reporters to some city and had him stand at an intersection with a sign claiming to be homeless. He was there for a few hours and received over $70 in "help".
well
My experience is this. I usually see more people at the Exit 125 off ramp than anywhere else.
I don't give them money, but I will get them a value meal from either McDs or Burger King. Or, I will fill up a gas tank for someone that's run out of gas.
The reason is, if there is a drug/alcohol problem, I'm not paying for their next hit. I'll feed or fuel them, but I won't help get them high/drunk.
I have a hard time believing the people on the side of the road are bringing in that much cash to make it worth standing out there in the heat and cold.
The reporter you spoke of was in a crowded, urban area....this is Conway, you're not going to make "bank" standing at an off ramp here.
Just my opinion.
Yes and No.
I agree that the reporter was in an urban area and no one is going to make enough standing at an exit in Conway to make a living.
However, I have personally seen people hand over a $20 bill at the 125 exit. I would think even a few of those would help someone with a drug problem to score his/her next hit.
I have offered to purchase a meal or fill up a gas tank several times. So far, ZERO have accepted the offer.
I'm not saying that all of the folks asking for money are scamming people. Just saying that, based on results, the one's I've offered to help have been.