US Pastor Sentenced to 35 Years Over $800,000 Church Theft

Whitney Foster, a pastor at True Foundation nondenominational church in Dallas, has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for stealing properties from three local churches, valued at over $800,000.

According to Dallas County prosecutors, Foster was convicted of theft of property involving three churches after he filed fraudulent property deeds, listing fake pastors or other church officials as the owners.

The affected churches are the First Christian Church in Lancaster, Texas, Canada Drive Christian Church, and Church at Ninevah.

Prosecutors revealed that Foster’s congregation still meets at one of the stolen properties, while another property remains legally entangled due to his actions. Two of the properties are still listed in Foster’s name.

“Stealing real estate is an incredibly serious and damaging crime,” said John Creuzot, Dallas County Criminal District Attorney, in a statement. “It’s worse than the theft of someone’s vehicle or other possessions. When someone steals property, we must hold them accountable because they are hurting people.”

The jury was also presented with evidence of seven additional fraudulent acts beyond the three churches involved in the conviction.

Foster has prior convictions for identity theft and arson, according to prosecutors.