Brookfield church treasurer admits stealing from church in Missouri

A northern Missouri church treasurer has admitted to stealing tens of thousands of dollars from her own church.

Cynthia Head, 51, of Brookfield, Missouri, pleaded guilty to embezzling funds from the Brookfield Church of the Nazarene by writing unauthorized church checks to herself and making unauthorized withdrawals from the church’s bank account.

As part of the embezzlement scheme, Head also made unauthorized purchases with church checks at local retail stores.

She bought such items as computers, cameras and vacuum cleaners only to then return the purchased items for cash.

Head’s fraud scheme began in September of 2007 and lasted until October of 2013 and netted approximately $192,000 in fraudulent proceeds which Head used for her own personal benefit.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office said as Treasurer, Head held a position of trust within the Brookfield Church of the Nazarene and this position of trust significantly contributed to the commission and concealment of the fraud.

Head pled guilty to one felony count of wire fraud Friday before United States District Judge Catherine D. Perry.

Sentencing has been set for November 4, 2014.

Head now faces up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000.

Restitution is also mandatory.

In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

This case was investigated by the Kirksville Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Linn County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant United States Attorney Charles Birmingham is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.