Houston Pastor Returns to Megachurch After Serving Prison Time
Kirbyjon Caldwell pleaded guilty to scamming elderly out of $3.5M
A Houston pastor released from prison has returned to lead the church he helped build.
Kirbyjon Caldwell leading worship Sunday, August 3, 2025 / Video screenshot
Kirbyjon Caldwell, pastor of 14,000-member Windsor Village Church, returned to the church’s stage to lead worship on Sunday, August 3. It marked his first time attending services since he was released from prison last year.
Caldwell pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in March of 2020. Caldwell and his co-defendant, Gregory A. Smith, were both accused of persuading a number of elderly victims to invest more than $3.5 million in an investment scheme.
The co-defendants convinced 29 investors between 2013 and 2014 to invest their money in Chinese historical bonds. The bonds were issued by the former Republic of China before it was overthrown by Communist rule in 1949. The bonds are not recognized by the current government of China and have zero investment value.
According to the prosecutor, both Smith and Caldwell were charged with 13 counts ranging from fraud to conspiracy to commit money laundering.
According to KHOU 11, “Smith promised to potential investors by investing money with him and Caldwell, they would obtain a partial ownership of the bonds and would quickly receive returns. Officials said the victims were encouraged to cash out any other investments they might have if they could not afford to participate.”
Smith allegedly told the investors to wire money to a number of bank accounts that Caldwell controlled. The more than $3 million was divided up among Smith, Caldwell and a few other people. Caldwell used $900,000 of his share to pay loans, mortgages, and credit cards.
Caldwell was released from prison in September 2024. The pastor has reportedly paid back all of his victims.
In the wake of his release last year, the church stated, “The court found that Caldwell made full restitution to all of the victims. Notable, restitution began prior to indictment and was completed before sentencing. Many victims were paid over and above the amount that they invested. Voluntary restitution is virtually unheard of and extremely rare in these kinds of cases.”
Caldwell is set to deliver his first sermon since his release at Windsor Village Church on August 10.
Access to MinistryWatch content is free. However, we hope you will support our work with your prayers and financial gifts. To make a donation, click here.
TO OUR READERS: The mission of MinistryWatch is to help Christian donors become more faithful stewards of the resources God has entrusted to them. Do you know of a story that will help us fulfill our mission, or do you want to give us feedback about this or any other story? If so, please email us at [email protected].
