Former Bank VP Pleads Guilty to Multi Million Dollar Fraud

A Missouri man who held roles as both a bank vice president and a pastor is pleading guilty to federal fraud charges. Prosecutors say he ran an investment scheme involving fake cattle purchases that cost victims and his employer nearly $9.4 million. The fraud took place between April 2024 and February 2026.

Instead of buying livestock, the man moved the money into a personal investment account. He used the funds to trade in micro cap and small capitalization securities. Unfortunately, the strategy failed and he lost all the money. He also used new funds from victims to pay off earlier investors, a classic tactic used to hide the scheme from those he targeted.

Beyond tricking individual investors, the man abused his position at Community First Bank. He created roughly $4.48 million in unauthorized loans, often using the identities of other people without their knowledge or approval. Some of these loans were specifically designed to cover up his previous fraudulent activities.

Now that he has entered a guilty plea, the man is awaiting a sentencing hearing. Federal authorities continue to examine the full scope of the losses caused by his actions at both the bank and within the community.