A woman is accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from St. Andrew’s United Church in Halifax.
Police say at least $400,000 has disappeared from the church benevolent fund, which is intended to better the community.
“It is really from the community,” says Const. Pierre Bourdages. “That fund was used by the church for various things that weren’t possible because there was no fund.”
Police learned of the discrepancies while they were investigating a suspicious fire at the church in July. During the course of the arson investigation, they were informed money was missing from the fund.
Investigators launched a fraud investigation and arrested 42-year-old Tammy Marie James on July 18.
The following day, James was charged with theft over $5,000 and fraud over $5,000. She was released on a number of conditions.
James is identified as an office administrator on the church website. She was suspended from her job at the church and later resigned.
The church alleges the money was taken over a four-year period and says it has taken steps to ensure all donations are accounted for in the future.
“We deeply regret that this has happened,” said church officials in a letter to parishioners. “While this is a setback, we are grateful for the support we have received from our strong and supportive community.”
Police are still investigating two suspicious fires set at the church in May and July.
Investigators have yet to determine whether there is a link between the fires and the fraud charges.
With files from CTV's Kelland Sundahl
