Sallisaw PD, FBI Investigating Alleged Embezzlement at Journey Church

The investigation into allegations of embezzlement at Journey Church in Sallisaw could take months, Sallisaw Police Chief Terry Franklin said Tuesday.

Sallisaw police are investigating the alleged embezzlement with the assistance of the FBI.

Franklin said the investigation began when a female church member came to the police station to file the complaint on Aug. 26. The incident report states that the church member, "...wished to file a police report on Jeff Allred for embezzling money from the Journey Church. (The church member) reported that the church had requested an audit and upon completion of the audit it had showed that Jeff Allred had used the church credit card for personal use on multiple occasions."

The report notes that the alleged embezzlement is for an "unknown amount of money."

Jeffrey Scott Allred, 41, resigned recently from his position as the church's minister.

Subsequently the investigating Sallisaw detective asked for subpoenas for credit card and bank records from the church, and for the banking records, PayPal accounts and tax records (W2s) from Allred and his wife, Stephanie. 

The documents are to be delivered by Sept. 16.

Franklin confirmed the investigation, "Came to us in a complaint."

Franklin said he realizes allegations of embezzlement from the church by its former pastor is a sensitive subject. He said, "We are doing the investigation. It is an ongoing investigation, and we will submit the report to the district attorney's office. That is our job, investigating complaints. We are just seeking the truth."

Franklin said the Journey Church elder board is being "very cooperative" with the investigation.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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