News Release: Pastor and Wife Arrested on Fraud Charges

10/01/2026

Sheriff Leon Lott announces the arrest of Barry L. Spears (DOB: 9/4/1972) and Jeri B. Spears (DOB: 2/1/1962) in connection with misuse of church funds.

On June 9, 2025, RCSD investigators were contacted by the complainant, who filed an incident report regarding the pastor of his church misusing collection funds. The complainant stated that Barry Spears had been accepting donations through the church’s 5013C non-profit status and was using the parishioners’ donations to pay personal bills.

Upon further investigation, it was found that Spears and his wife had stolen over $200,000 of the church’s money and were spending it on personal items, such as a motorcycle, made payments to a BMW, vehicle insurance, and other unapproved items. Receipts and other documentation show misappropriation of the church funds by Barry Spears dating back to 2018.

On September 28, 2026, RCSD investigators obtained arrest warrants for Barry L. Spears and Jeri B. Spears. Both Spears and his wife turned themselves on September 29, 2026, where they were transported to ASGDC.

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 received Personal Recognizance bonds. Mugshots are not available at this time, as the ASGDC website is down for maintenance.