Bardstown pastor indicted, accused of making $80K worth of unauthorized purchases
NBC News 14, Indiana/November 21, 2013
By Joey Brown
Bardstown, Kentucky -- A Bardstown pastor has been indicted by a Nelson County grand jury following accusations that he used church credit cards to make more than $80,000 worth of unauthorized purchases.
According to Bardstown police, the investigation began October 10 when Bardstown Baptist Church administrators contacted the agency regarding the unauthorized purchases.
A financial strain led church staff to take a closer look at their books. Church attorney, Jason Floyd said the numbers just didn't add up and shockingly all signs pointed at Senior Pastor Dylan Mays.
"There were folks who feel angry, folks who feel betrayed," said Floyd. "There were a few who didn't want to believe it at first."
Police executed a search warrant on the Rosewood Drive home of the church's senior pastor Dylan Mays on October 22. Police seized 23 firearms, a large amount of ammunition, police radios, electronics and other items.
Police said the investigation revealed that Mays, 42, had used credit cards issued to him for church purposes to make more than $80,000 worth of unauthorized purchases between 2009 and 2013. Those purchases included numerous firearms, firearm accessories, ammunition, tools and electronics including iPhones and computers, according to police.
Floyd believes Mays would buy these items with the church's credit cards and write off purchases as something else.
"For example a sporting goods purchase for personal stuff would have been characterized as an expenditure for the church upward basketball program," said Floyd.
Mays was Bardstown Baptist's pastor for eight years. Police say he stole from the church from 2009 to 2013 and in total spent more than $80,000. Floyd says it's possible the church could get the money back through restitution, but it could be some time.
"I don't think it is money they are going to rely upon right now," said Floyd. "They need to move forward in doing the business of seeking souls for Christ and not so much think about credit cards and bank accounts all the time."
Mays is accused of theft by unlawful taking. He has not been arrested, but there is an active indictment against him. An indictment is a formal accusation of a felony, issued by a grand jury upon a proposed charge, witness testimony and other evidence and does not indicate innocence or guilt.
Mays resigned last month and Floyd says it is believed he and his family moved to one of the Carolina's. He also coached high school softball and helped with cross country and track at Bardstown Schools.
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