According to a statement made on Wednesday by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, a Broward County pastor has been detained on various counts after allegedly committing fraud at a church to fund his drug habit.
James Edward Smith II, 49, of Lauderhill, served as the pastor of the New Jerusalem Baptist Church in Pompano Beach, according to the FDLE.
After receiving accusations from members of the congregation and the church’s founders, agents allegedly started looking into him in April of last year.
By submitting a fake quit claim deed, Smith, according to a news release from the FDLE, unlawfully obtained possession of the church and its cash. He subsequently sold the property for $600,000, using the proceeds to feed a heroin habit.
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Smith was arrested on Tuesday on accusations of fraud, grand theft, illegal use of personal identifiable information, unlawful filing of false document records against real or personal property, grand theft of a firearm, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, and probation violation.
According to FDLE officials, Smith is also facing larceny and “fraud linked with worthless checks totalling more than $1,600 issued on the church’s bank account” in connection with the investigation.
Smith’s residence was searched during his arrest, and he was found to be in possession of heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana, and a stolen pistol, according to officials. Further charges are being considered.
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