Florida pastor reportedly sells church to fund drug habit; accused of fraud, grand theft

FLORIDA – A Florida church pastor has been arrested by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) after he reportedly forged a quick claim deed and sold the church property, allegedly to fund a drug habit, the FDLE said.

James Edward Smith II, 49, of Lauderhill, has been arrested by the FDLE on multiple charges related to alleged fraud and grand theft involving a Pompano Beach church, the agency said in a statement.

According to the FDLE, Smith was charged with organized scheme to defraud, fraud, grand theft, criminal use of personal identification information, unlawful filing of false document records against real or personal property, grand theft of a firearm, possession of a firearm by convicted felon and violation of probation.

Smith was the pastor of New Jerusalem Baptist Church in Pompano Beach.

The Broward County Sheriff’s Office and the Broward County Property Appraiser’s Office assisted with the case.

The FDLE said it began its investigation last April after receiving complaints from parishioners and church founders that Smith fraudulently gained control over the church and church funds. The investigation reportedly showed Smith filed a forged quit claim deed which allowed him to assume complete control of the church property. He then sold it for $600,000, allegedly using the money to support a drug habit, the FDLE said.

In connection to the investigation, Smith is also being charged by the Broward County Sheriff’s Office for larceny and fraud associated with worthless checks totaling more than $1,600 written on the church’s bank account.

FDLE agents arrested Smith last week, and he was booked into the Broward County Jail. The Lauderhill Police Department Special Enforcement Team, Broward County sheriff’s deputies, and the Florida Department of Corrections Probation Office assisted with the arrest.

A search of Smith’s residence allegedly found heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana, and a stolen firearm.  Additional charges are pending.

The Office of the State Attorney, 17th Judicial Circuit, will prosecute the case.