FL Pastor Stole Church Funds To Support Drug Habit: Authorities

LAUDERHILL, FL — A Florida pastor is facing numerous charges after authorities said he defrauded a Pompano Beach church of hundreds of thousands of dollars to buy drugs.

James Edward Smith II, 49, of Lauderhill, is charged with fraud and grand theft after Florida Department of Law Enforcement authorities said he forged a quit claim deed allowing him to assume control of New Jerusalem Baptist Church in Pompano Beach.

According to authorities, Smith then sold the property for $600,000 and used the money to support a drug habit.

The Broward County Sheriff’s Office also charged Smith with larceny and fraud after authorities said he wrote worthless checks from the church's bank account totaling more than $1,600.

Smith was a pastor at New Jerusalem Baptist Church, authorities said.

State authorities launched an investigation into Smith in April after parishioners and church founders complained that Smith fraudulently gained control over the church and church funds, according to a news release.

Smith was arrested Tuesday, authorities said. While searching his home, authorities discovered heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana and a stolen gun. Additional charges are pending, authorities said.

Smith is currently being held in the Broward County Jail.