Minister indicted for embezzlement in New Mexico

FROM RUIDOSONEWS.COM -

A former Ruidoso minister has been indicted for embezzling more than $20,000 from area churches.

A grand jury returned the indictment against Kevin Krohn Friday for embezzlement of more than $20,000 and conspiracy to commit embezzlement.
Deputy District Attorney Reed Thompson said on Monday that "$20,000 is what we have to prove."
"There may have been as much as $150,000," Thompson said.
Embezzlement of more than $20,000 is a second-degree felony.
"Kevin Krohn has dedicated his life to the ministry and he maintains his innocence," attorney Angie K. Schneider-Cook said Tuesday. "Mr. Krohn is represented by the Bryant, Schneider-Cook Law Firm and we have faith that he will be exonerated by a jury of his peers."
Krohn is charged with embezzlement of funds from the Lincoln County Ministerial Alliance, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, where he served as pastor for more than 20 years, and numerous other area churches between Jan. 1, 2000, and Sept. 14, 2010.
Krohn also is charged with conspiracy to commit embezzlement between March 26, 2006, and Sept. 14, 2010.
"Regardless of how any other person is charged, he (Krohn) is the primary person responsible," Thompson said.
Thompson said another person might be charged with helping Krohn convert the funds.
Krohn is set for arraignment in District Court in Carrizozo July 22.