ALEXANDER COUNTY, N.C. — A church deacon is asking for forgiveness after being accused of embezzling tens of thousands of dollars from his church in Taylorsville.
Investigators said Jerry Mayes used a credit card and checkbook from the church to buy items for himself in Alexander County.
Police said not only was Mayes a deacon at the church, but he was also the treasurer. His family says the 79-year-old grew up just down the street and went there his entire life.
Officers executed a search warrant at Mayes’ home, seizing a number of documents that included a stack of receipts. They said he used the stolen money at a Food Lion, drug store, fast food restaurants and even used it to pay his water bill that dated back to 2016.
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Investigators said more than $80,000 dollars was embezzled from New Zion Baptist Church.
Mayes spoke with Channel 9 Thursday morning and said he hopes his church can forgive him after he was charged with felony embezzlement.
“I’m sorry that I did what I did,” Mayes said. “Sometimes you go down the wrong road and get down that road and can’t get back. But I am sorry for the community, my family, for everyone.”
Church members told Channel 9 they had no idea money was being stolen from the church. They said since learning of the theft, several people have left the congregation. Only one to two dozen people showed up last Sunday.
“I ask God to forgive me for what I’ve done, ask the community to (forgive me),” Mayes said.
Mayes’ sister, Summa Watts, said it is difficult to believe that so much money is missing at a church the family has attended most of their lives.
When asked if the congregation can forgive Mayes, Watts said, “I think the few that still remain there can. I don’t think the pastor can.”
Mayes is not currently going to church.
“I hope they will take me back,” Mayes said. “I just ask Jesus to help me.”
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