Pastor's embezzlement sentencing stayed in Michigan

The sentencing of a Grand Rapids pastor who embezzled from his church, which may have lost more than $230,000 over three years, was delayed Thursday. 

Arthur Pearson was granted a three-month stay of sentencing so he will have time to make arrangements for a 48-month restitution plan to repay more than $160,000. 

In January 2013, Pearson pleaded no contest to embezzling between $50,000 and $100,000 from Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church. 

Pearson turned himself in after allegations first surfaced in early January 2012. He initially claimed his contract did not specifically prevent him from using certain funds on personal items, such as car repairs and mall shopping trips.

His preliminary exam lasted for days over the course of a month. In March 2012, he was ordered to stand trial, but entered into a plea deal before that trial could begin. He was fired from the church in June 2012. 

A representative from the church spoke in court Thursday about Pearson's change in behavior and how he changed the financial structure at the church. 

A new sentencing date of July 11 was set. 

A second person, former church bookkeeper Gerolanita Bailey, has also entered in to a plea deal in the case.