Sentencing of Pastor for COVID-19 Fraud Delayed Again
Pastor allegedly took almost $200K intended for his church
In his online bio from Turning Point Church of God in McLeansboro, Illinois, former lead pastor Terry Hall offered believers “a victorious and prosperous Christian life here on earth.”
Terry Hall / LinkedIn
This spring, however, a federal court found Hall guilty of seeking prosperity through COVID-19 relief fraud.
Originally scheduled for a July 22 sentencing, then rescheduled twice, Hall’s sentencing has again been pushed back—this time to November 10, according to a WFIW news report.
The 58-year-old Norris City man pleaded guilty to five counts, including wire fraud, making false statements and providing false documents. WFIW reported that his admission followed a federal indictment for exploiting his position to steal $199,900 from the government through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act in 2020.
Hall received a $92,900 Economic Injury Disaster Loan in July 2020 through the United States Small Business Administration. The purpose of the loan was to help his church recover from economic distress caused by the pandemic; however, the money was sent directly to Hall’s personal bank account. In April 2022, Hall received a second loan, this time for $107,000, which he allegedly conned church leadership into wiring to his personal account.
According to local news WRUL, Hall allegedly spent the money on bear hunts in Maine, vacations to Africa, vehicles, a building on his property, and other personal expenses.
Turning Point Church’s web address is currently a dead link, but an Internet Archive search of the site reveals that at least as early as March 2023, Hall had already been replaced by a new lead pastor. Archived page versions also indicate Hall had served as lead pastor at least as far back as 2019. His online bio describes him as having “overseen & coordinated many mission trips & conferences all around the world,” participated in leadership training, and served as a music ministry leader.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Why does MinistryWatch report on financial fraud in the church? We report on them because one in three churches will be victimized, according to the Center for the Study of Global Christianity. We also report on them because these crimes have real victims and cost taxpayers and other stakeholders billions of dollars every year. Even small crimes in small churches have huge consequences. We also report on them to remind our readers that they do not have to be victims. There are steps you can take to prevent financial waste, fraud, and abuse in your church or ministry. To find out more, click here.
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