Woman on the run in Pikeville church embezzlement captured in Florida

A woman wanted for allegedly stealing money from a Pikeville church has been captured, and soon will be on her way back to face criminal charges.

Authorities in Florida arrested Michelle Allen Wednesday in Daytona near Daytona International Speedway. Pike Commonwealth’s Attorney Rick Bartley said Allen will be extradited back to Pike County, where she will face charges stemming from her allegedly embezzling more than $10,000 from the Pikeville First Presbyterian Church.

Michelle Allen’s husband, John Allen has been in custody in Pike County in relation to the case since November. Bartley said the couple, who were both employed at the First Presbyterian Church, stole money from the church and purchased gift cards and other items from several local retail stores.

John Allen also allegedly stole a van from the church, but it was later recovered. He was arrested last November for alleged shoplifting in South Williamson. Michelle Allen allegedly went on the run.

The details for Michelle Allen’s extradition back to Pikeville are still pending. But when she returns to Pike County, she’ll face a felony theft by deception charge, and a possible prison sentence of up to ten years.