The pastor of a multi-site church in Memphis, Tenn., who previously was a contestant on “American Idol” and “The Voice,” has been arrested on multiple felony theft-related charges.
Steven “Stevie” Flockhart, lead pastor of 901 Church, was arrested on Nov. 2 on two felony counts, including identity theft and theft of merchandise valued at $6,410, according to an affidavit in the case.
Flockhart bonded out on Nov. 3, paying $2,000 in fees. Yesterday, Flockhart, appeared at a preliminary hearing at Shelby County Criminal Court in Memphis, Tenn., but did not enter a formal plea.
In services last Sunday, Paul Taylor, a member of the board of overseers of 901 Church and senior pastor of Rivers Crossing Church in Ohio, announced that Flockhart is taking a leave of absence “until this is resolved.”
“We do not believe these allegations will be true based on the evidence that we have,” added Taylor in a recording obtained by The Roys Report (TRR). “So, this is not an admission of guilt or innocence. This is simply us allowing your pastor to get some time away, because he’s been through literal hell on earth.”
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According to the police affidavit, Mark McCall, the church’s former finance director, stated that Flockhart opened a PayPal credit card account in December 2018, using McCall’s name without McCall’s permission. Flockhart then reportedly ran up $6,410 in charges on the account. McCall told police he discovered what happened through a credit report.
In his announcement to 901 Church, Taylor said the church is conducting an internal investigation, which is ongoing, but refuted the criminal charges. He said church board meeting minutes from 2019 indicate the existence of a PayPal credit card account for church expenses, mutually approved by Flockhart and McCall.
“He didn’t steal anything,” said Taylor about McCall. “Pastor Stevie had Mark McCall’s permission to open the PayPal account and did not steal his identity to do so. And no personal charges were made at that time. (These) items were purchased for the church.”
