The FBI and IRS say a local pastor embezzled almost $1 million while serving as director of his church’s community foundation.
Willard Jones is pastor of Greater Cornerstone Church. U.S. Attorney Danny Williams said Jones embezzled $933,000 from the church’s community foundation over six years and claimed it was for the construction of a West Tulsa community center.
"In fact, he was spending the stolen funds on hotels, restaurants, gambling at casinos, liquor, automobiles and luxury items, including a Rolex watch and a monogrammed mink fur coat with matching hat and gloves," Williams said.
Jones faces three counts of wire fraud and one count of subscribing to a false tax return. FBI Special Agent James Finch said he is saddened by Jones’ abuse of his position.
"Those congregation members of the Cornerstone Baptist church, who have sought spiritual refuge from Rev. Willard L. Jones — they have been wounded," Finch said.
If convicted, Jones faces up to 63 years in prison. He would also have to forfeit his home and items he bought.
