Former Minister Charged with Felony Embezzlement

The former minister at Journey Church in Sallisaw was charged Friday in Sequoyah County District Court with a felony count of embezzlement.

Jeffrey Scott Allred, 41, is accused of embezzling more than $10,000 from the church. A warrant was issued for Allred’s arrest Friday, and he paid a bond of $7,500 via a power of attorney through Allegheny Casualty Co. It is reported that Allred has moved from his home on Lennington Road in Sallisaw to Texas. He is scheduled to appear Wednesday in district court in Sallisaw to answer the charge.

The allegation was investigated by Lance Yoakum of the Sallisaw Police Department after a church member reported the alleged embezzlement. Yoakum met with the church’s board of elders who reported they hired a forensic auditor to look into the misuse of funds by Allred. The audit revealed that Allred allegedly submitted multiple receipts to the church that did not match the items purchased. The report alleges that some of the receipts were for large kitchen items that were not at the church but at the Allred pool house and some were for a golf cart, which the church does not have.

The report alleges, “Each receipt that Allred turned into the church was fraudulent and did not depict what Allred had actually purchased. Allred used the Journey Church credit card for each of these purchases and then deceived the members and elders of the Journey Church with the fraudulent receipts.”

The report continues, “Allred was issued a Journey Church Capital One credit card to make purchases for the church in the event that he needed to. Allred was not authorized to make purchases for his personal gain.”

The following allegedly fraudulent purchases are listed in the report:

-In September 2014 Allred submitted receipts for a dishwasher for $598.99, a food warmer for $376.46, an oven for $1,099.99 and a microwave for $306.68, for a total of $2382.12. The actual receipt showed the purchases were for a microwave for $279, a dishwasher for $899.10, and a stove for $989.10 for a total of $2382.12.

The report states, “The receipts that Allred provided the church were fraudulent.”

-On June 20, 2014 Allred submitted a receipt to the church for two HDTVs for $1,398, one smart TV for $899 plus shipping of $202.99 for a total of $2499.99. The actual receipt showed the purchase was for a smart TV for a total of $2499.99.

-In June 2014 Allred submitted a receipt for the purchase of a table for $109.95. The actual receipt shows the purchase was for a fender flare set (4) for a golf car for $109.95.

The report states, “Allred owns a golf cart that is reported to have multiple add on accessories.”

-In June 2014 Allred submitted a receipt for a pendant light for $94.99 plus $22.99 for shipping for a total of $117.98. The actual receipt shows Allred purchased a steering wheel for a golf cart for $117.98. In the same month Allred submitted a receipt for a microwave oven for $668.95. The actual receipt showed he purchased a dash compartment, golf tires and a wheel combo for $668.95. In the same month Allred submitted a receipt for an arm chair for $299.95. The actual receipt showed Allred purchased a golf cart flip folding rear seat kit for $299.95. In the same month Allred submitted a receipt for a sink for $335. The actual receipt is for a granite sink for $335.

The report states, “The church does not have a granite sink in it nor has it had one.”

-June 2014 Allred submitted receipt for a coffee maker for $149.95. The actual receipt shows Allred purchased an LED light kit for a golf cart for $149.95. Also submitted was a receipt for a stainless frame with tempered glass for $141.99. The actual receipt showed Allred purchased a dash assembly for a golf cart for $141.99.

-In December 2014 Allred submitted a receipt for Bible software for $209.99. The actual receipt shows Allred purchased a train level crossing set for $209.99. In the same month Allred submitted a receipt for a Bible software archeology collection for $264.65. The actual receipt shows Allred purchased a Maersk container train for $264.65.

Allred resigned as minister at Journey Church in August. On Sept. 28, Journey Church filed a civil lawsuit against Allred for no less than $50,000 “for the recovery of funds that were misappropriated from The Journey Church, Inc.”

The civil lawsuit alleges that Allred had access to a credit card he allegedly told church elders was to “be used to purchase supplies for children’s Bible classes and other church activities.” Instead, the lawsuit alleges, Allred used the credit card to buy “numerous items. . .which he then sold on eBay,” and kept the money for himself.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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