Weekly Church Crime Update
TERRORISM UPDATE
This week I moved the CSTLS to RED-IMMINENT RISK OF ATTACK. I did not take this action lightly. My biggest concern is an overreaction by one of our own. People look to us for reassurance. If we show panic, they will feel it too. Keep your churches open and welcoming, but you’ll need to work harder at keeping your church safe. With over a million views a month between here and our social media channels, at least one of us may feel the brunt of what may be to come. Just remember that the Lord is watching us and guiding us, and He will protect us from the animals coming to attack us.
DHS Warns of Terrorist Exploitation of Migrant Flows into U.S.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a warning on Wednesday, highlighting concerns that individuals with ties to terrorism are exploiting migrant flows to enter the United States. This comes as part of the 2025 Homeland Threat Assessment, which underscores the challenges of screening the large number of migrants crossing both the northern and southern borders. Encounters with individuals on the Federal Terrorist Screening Dataset have increased, with 422 such individuals stopped by July 2024, 283 of whom attempted to cross at the U.S.-Canada border. While migrant encounters have slightly declined at the U.S.-Mexico border, DHS remains concerned about the ongoing strain on immigration and border security efforts.
FBI/DHS Public Announcement on Imminent Terror Threats to Mosques and Synagogues
The FBI and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently issued a public service announcement tied to the anniversary of the October 7, 2023, HAMAS attacks, highlighting potential terrorist threats. Despite this warning, the advisory did not specifically mention Christian churches as targets, even though previous intelligence has identified them as key points of concern for foreign terrorist organizations like ISIS. Christian churches continue to be viewed as high-value targets by such groups, yet the omission in this bulletin reflects a pattern of downplaying this ongoing risk. The link to the original bulletin is below.
I’ve already sent an announcement to you about this bulletin. To say it is a horribly written and crafted announcement is an understatement. It shows how the feds are more concerned about people like you than the people that want to attack you.
CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS
Man Arrested for Assaulting Woman in Palestine Church Parking Lot
James Wriley Marks, 23, was arrested on September 27, 2024, for assaulting a woman in the parking lot of Southside Baptist Church in Palestine, Texas. Witnesses reported seeing Marks pull into the church parking lot and assault a woman in the back seat of a vehicle. Police located the vehicle shortly afterward, and Marks was taken into custody despite resisting arrest. He is being held in Anderson County Jail on charges of family violence assault and resisting arrest, with no bond set.
Domestic violence does come to our churches. The best thing you can do is separate the parties and let police handle the investigation. I often like telling the main aggressor (it’s not always the male) that they are in God’s house and this isn’t appropriate and tell them to move to a different location away from the church. This separates them from the other party and it usually cools down from there. Do call the police and let them handle the call, though.
Church Outreach Leader in Collin County Arrested for Family Violence Charge
David Scarberry, a 53-year-old evangelistic outreach leader at Revival City Church in McKinney, Texas, was arrested on charges of continuous violence against the family. This charge relates to two or more instances of family violence within a 12-month period. Scarberry, who has a criminal history in Oklahoma involving drug and weapons charges, was held in the Collin County Jail but has since been released on bond. While details about the victim were not disclosed, Scarberry has denied the current allegations, calling them "false accusations." He previously faced a domestic abuse protective order filed by his ex-wife in 1994.
This is my reminder to you that you need to be doing background checks on all of your staff and volunteers. You need to uncover prior ciminality so that you can make informed decisions about their position in the church and whether you want them alone with vulnerable adults and children. There are warning signs in his past that should send alarm bells. Sure, people do repent for their sins and we should show forgiveness, but that doesn’t mean you let your guard down. DO that background check.
Two Injured in Shooting Near Athens, TN Church
Police in Athens, Tennessee, are investigating a shooting that occurred near North Athens Baptist Church on Tellico Avenue on the morning of September 30, 2024. Two individuals were injured and transported to a local hospital for treatment. Authorities have identified possible suspects and persons of interest but are still working to locate them.
People fleeing danger will often go to churches for sanctuary, even if the church is closed. It Is ingrained in our survival instinct that God will protect us. With that said, danger has a chance of coming to you. Be vigilant to what is happening outside of your church while you are inside worshiping.
SEX CRIMES
Pastor Arrested for Transferring Nude Photos Of Congregants Wife Without Consent
A pastor at Journey Church in Kenosha, Wisconsin, was arrested after allegedly sending intimate photos of a church member’s wife to his own phone during a church meeting. The incident occurred on September 22 when the pastor borrowed the husband's phone under the pretense of assisting him with downloading an audiobook. Police say the pastor used the AirDrop feature to transfer private images without consent. After the couple discovered unusual activity on the phone, they contacted authorities. The pastor was arrested on September 30, charged with two felony counts, and subsequently fired from his position at the church.
I can’t believe I need to give this advice, but I see this problem pop up quite often. Don’t put anything on your phone that you don’t want your mom to see (I used to say your pastor, but now you can see why I just leave it at your mom). From pornographic photos to text exchanges that involve racism, hatred or you name it… your phone is never secure. Never. I can’t tell you how many phones I’ve searched in my life. Each one had stuff you would never want anyone else to see. I’ve also had hackers show me how easy it was for them to access someone’s phone. Most of it through social engineering like this pastor did to his congregant (sure, let me borrow that phone for a minute).
Arkansas Pastor Arrested for Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Materials
Rocky Goodwin, the 86-year-old lead pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Warren, Arkansas, was arrested and charged with multiple offenses related to child sexual abuse materials. The investigation, which began in April 2023 following cyber tips from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, led authorities to execute a search warrant at Goodwin's home in May 2024. Investigators seized several devices containing over 70 images of child sexual abuse materials. Despite the evidence, Goodwin denies any involvement. His bail was set at $150,000, and his arraignment took place in September 2024, raising concerns within the community as he continued preaching after his arrest.
If your preacher is arrested for anything serious, they should be put on leave until the case is adjudicated. It is possible for someone to spoof your IP address to download child porn, however if child porn is on your device then it is pretty hard to claim it was someone else. With that said, he can’t keep preaching until you do an investigation and make a determination. Churches have serious issues with sex crimes. Letting your pastor continue after an arrest just makes us lose credibility and keeps future followers of Christ from finding salvation.
ARSON
None reported in the U.S. For Canada, see the story below. It has been an active time for arsons on churches in Canada.
PROPERTY CRIMES
Assault Suspect in Custody Charged with Vandalizing Coral Springs Church Sign
Tevin Talbert, a 30-year-old man from Lauderhill, Florida, already in custody for unrelated assault charges, has been charged with vandalizing the sign at Living Word Christian Center in Coral Springs. On September 21, 2024, Coral Springs Police were alerted to missing letters from the church's sign. Footage from nearby cameras showed Talbert damaging the sign on two occasions, kicking and discarding letters. Talbert, who was on probation for a previous Grand Theft Auto case, now faces additional charges while remaining in custody at Broward County Main Jail.
Elderly Couple Scammed by Fraudster Posing as Church Member in Winnipeg
An elderly couple from Winnipeg, Manitoba, lost over $32,000 after being targeted by a scammer pretending to be a trusted peer from their church. The fraudster contacted the couple through Facebook, claiming they could qualify for a federal grant of up to $150,000. Posing as a government official, the scammer convinced them to purchase Apple product gift cards to cover “processing fees.” Between September 6 and 17, the couple sent serial numbers from these gift cards before realizing the scam. The couple reported the fraud to the police but were only able to recover $700, with little hope of retrieving the remaining funds.
Seniors are very susceptible to fraudsters. There are numerous online courses you can give to your seniors at church. I suggest you find one and give it to them. Never pay for anything through gift cards. It is always a scam. Never give money to anyone online unless it is from a verified source (like when I gave you a link to Pastor Clemie’s donation account…. At least I hope you trust me).
Sherman Oaks Church Targeted in Series of Vandalism Incidents
St. Francis de Sales Church in Sherman Oaks, California, has been vandalized four times over the past two months in what authorities are investigating as possible hate crimes. The most recent act occurred on September 28, when the church's statue was defaced with black spray paint. Previous incidents included setting fire to the statue's base and spray-painting the term "chomo" — slang for child molester — on it. The church rectory was also targeted, with a window being set on fire. Local authorities are still searching for suspects, and the church plans to increase security measures to prevent further attacks.
This is my weekly reminder to you that you need a burglar alarm and a fire alarm along with a 4k video system.
Illinois Pastor Faces Felony Loan Fraud Charges After Church Dismissal
Emmitt Williams III, the former pastor of Springfield Missionary Baptist Church in Evanston, Illinois, was arrested on October 1, 2024, on charges of felony loan fraud. Williams allegedly secured three unauthorized mortgage loans totaling $178,000 on the church’s property between April and December 2023 without the trustees' knowledge. His employment was terminated in January 2024 for breaches of fiduciary duties, including unauthorized financial actions. Williams now faces up to 15 years in prison and a potential fine of $25,000 if convicted. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 2.
I’ll keep repeating this… having multiple eyes on your church books and having regular audits keeps people honest.
INTERNATIONAL STORIES
Fulani Terrorists Continue Targeting Christians in Nigeria
Islamist Fulani terrorists in Nigeria persist in kidnapping, torturing, and killing Christians, according to a recent report. In September, nine family members of a former Southern Kaduna People’s Union leader were kidnapped, with ransoms demanded by the terrorists. This is part of a broader pattern of violence affecting predominantly Christian communities, particularly in Kajuru and Kachia counties. In one instance, Fulani terrorists attacked a Catholic church during Mass, killing one and kidnapping others. Despite pleas for military assistance, local forces have reportedly refused to intervene. The ongoing violence, labeled as a form of jihad, continues to devastate Christian communities in the region.
I’m calling out to all of the Nigerians that follow this newsletter (it looks like several hundred of you). Reach out to me and we can work out safety plans for your people. Just reply to this email and we can go from there. I have numerous followers with experience working in Africa fighting the people attacking you. We can definitely help you in keeping everyone safe.
Suspicious Fire Destroys Catholic Church on Alexander First Nation
Morinville RCMP are investigating a suspicious fire that destroyed a Roman Catholic church on Alexander First Nation, located 56 km northwest of Edmonton. The fire was reported around 12:40 a.m. on September 30, 2024, and by the time fire crews from Alexander First Nation, Sturgeon County, and Morinville arrived, the church was fully engulfed in flames and suffered a total loss. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and authorities are asking for anyone with information to contact Morinville RCMP or Crime Stoppers.
Canada has had a spate of church arsons going for the last few years. Churches are advised to have a burglar and a fire alarm on premises. You can’t be there 24/7 and fire suppression devices along with a fire alarm minimizes the level of damage. watch the live stream I did yesterday to see what you are missing from YouTube. Hit the notification bell on YouTube to get alerted when I go live. https://youtube.com/live/irX0J26lo0A
This newsletter is so important. I've been teaching self defense at a local Christian univeristy for 16 years, and I am still amazed at the lack of security at churches and Christian organizations. Your newsletter provides a wealth of practical information.
My wife and I recently started going to a new church (new to us), and they have made several announcements about serious problems with homeless people involving theft, vandalism, and interruption of services by mentally ill homeless people. It is a small church with limited resources, and since many solutions involve spending a lot of money, there seem to be few options. Could you possibly discuss the security threats brought about by rampant homelessness, and what churches can do about it? I live in California, which is worse than most places with regard to homeless problems, but I imagine that most churches in the country deal with this at some point.
Any input on how deep the deed is? Why would the US military allow our country invaded? The collateral damage pisses me off.