New Haven, Connecticut -- A pastor is accused of stealing from his own church and church members say he went on a spending spree.
One New Haven pastor has been accused by his congregation of stealing funds from his church. Members of Faith Refuge are accusing Pastor Anthony Fulton of withdrawing thousands of dollars from the church's debit card for personal use.
"They were getting hair done, their nails done, going out to eat, writing out cash instead of you know paying the bills, so they can do whatever they want with the money," said Angie Boxill, Faith Refuge Member
Church members say the proof is in the paperwork. Bank statements show numerous withdrawals and transactions at clothing stores, beauty shops, restaurants and the list goes on.Members say in less than six months the pastor stole nearly $10,000.
When told that church member say that their tides and offerings went towards his personal use, Fulton said, "No come on, personal use. I don't drive a BMW, I don't live in a fat house, okay. The Lord supplies all my needs."
Church members watched as Pastor Fulton stripped the church loading TV's, furniture and other accouterments into U-Haul, taking everything but the pews. Members say most of the items came from church money
"They took it upon themselves to buy flat screen TVs. And now they're leaving, they take it with them, but we've got it on black-and-white that they wrote it out from Faith Refuge," said Charlene Chesson, Faith Refuge Member.
Pastor Fulton says he's innocent.
"Yes with our stuff we accumulated over the years. We brought our stuff from 4 West Street to 70 West Street, because as you interview inside the church, you saw how it was, that's how it was when we came," said Fulton.
Pastor Fulton says he's now heading to another church in New Haven. Church members say they plan on suing the pastor.
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