A former US pastor, Bobby Geronimo, 57, has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for embezzling $600,000 from Victory Baptist Church in Georgia, where he was senior pastor.
Geronimo used the stolen funds to finance his luxurious lifestyle, buying a high-end car and taking expensive vacations.
He also settled personal debts with some of the money.
The pastor’s scheme was exposed when church officials discovered financial discrepancies.
An investigation revealed Geronimo’s prolonged theft from the church.
Geronimo was arrested, charged with theft and fraud, found guilty, and sentenced to 35 years in prison.
The church congregation was left shocked and heartbroken by Geronimo’s betrayal.
“We trusted him with our tithes and offerings, and he betrayed that trust,” said a church member.
“We hope that this sentence will serve as a warning to others who might think of doing something similar.”
