Pastor, wife stole $200,000 from church; spent on motorcycle, BMW, etc, officials say
By Stephanie Moore
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RICHLAND COUNTY, South Carolina (WYFF) — A pastor at a South Carolina church and his wife are accused of stealing more than $200,000 from the church and spending it on a motorcycle, payments on a BMW, vehicle insurance, and other unapproved items.
The Richland County Sheriff’s Department said the investigation began in June 2025 when a church member filed a report about the pastor of his church misusing collection funds.
The complainant reported that Barry Spears had been accepting donations through the church’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and was using the parishioners’ donations to pay personal bills.
Upon further investigation, investigators said they found that Spears and his wife, Jeri B. Spears, had stolen over $200,000 of the church’s money.
Receipts and other documentation show misappropriation of the church funds by Barry Spears dating back to 2018, investigators said.
On Sept.28, 2026, investigators obtained arrest warrants for the couple.
Both Spears and his wife turned themselves in on Sept. 29.
Barry L. Spears is charged with Violations of the Computer Crime Act, 1st Degree, Forgery $10,000 or More and Breach of Trust with Fraudulent Intent.
Jeri Spears is charged with Obtaining Goods Under False Pretenses $10,000 or More.
Both were released on bond.
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