A 200-year-old Gallatin, Tennessee church is reeling after its treasurer stole over $165,000 in funds. Leaders at Douglass Chapel United Methodist Church say the woman, church member Crystal Dycus, used the church credit card as her “free money to spend, basically.” Dycus spent two years spending church funds on ATM cash withdrawals, restaurants, rental cars, gas, her wedding, and tanning salon visits.
County sheriff Sonny Weatherford called the event “devastating to that small of a church and community.” Former treasurer and church member Marsha Davis said it was “pretty upsetting and discouraging that someone would do this when they’re look at you every Sunday morning knowing they’re stealing our money.”
Davis said the bank called the church in November 2012 saying the church accounts were in the negative. After a three-month fact-finding mission, Davis finally called police.
“God is always one who provides,” said Davis. “Hopefully we can pick up and keep going. That’s all we can pray for.”
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