HATTIESBURG, Miss. (AP) – An IRS agent says that a Hattiesburg pastor took $60,000 from a federally-funded housing rehabilitation program to subsidize his church.
WDAM-TV reports (http://bit.ly/2cb5F14) IRS Agent Bradley Luker testified Thursday in the trial of the Rev. Kenneth Fairley, who faces conspiracy and theft charges in an indictment that alleges he skimmed money.
Fairley, who leads Mount Carmel Baptist Church, denies guilt. His attorneys blame bad bookkeeping, not criminal intent.
The trial continues Friday, and the judge says it could continue into Saturday.
Developer Artie Fletcher of Picayune had been indicted with Fairley, but pleaded guilty Friday to a lesser charge of failing to report a felony.
In recordings of phone calls between Fairley and Fletcher played Thursday, the two discussed the involvement of Hattiesburg Mayor Johnny DuPree. He hasn’t been charged.
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