Shelley C. Strickland, 55, from Greenwood, South Carolina, faces seven counts of tax evasion after allegedly embezzling over $445,000 from First Baptist Church of Ware Shoals between 2018 and 2024.
Embezzlement Allegations
While employed at the church, Strickland is accused of diverting the funds for personal use, treating it as unreported income that led to evading at least $29,626 in state taxes. The South Carolina Department of Revenue issued the warrants, highlighting how such theft from nonprofitsShelley C. Strickland, 55, from Greenwood, South Carolina, faces seven counts of tax evasion after allegedly embezzling over $445,000 from First Baptist Church of Ware Shoals between 2018 and 2024.
Charges Breakdown
South Carolina Department of Revenue investigators claim she used church funds for personal gain without reporting them as income, dodging at least $29,626 in state taxes. Each count carries up to 5 years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine if convicted.
Case Context
Strickland worked at the church during the period; this fits patterns of financial misconduct in small religious organizations where oversight can lag. Another Upstate SC case amid your local news stream—church leaders often shocked by trusted insiders.
