Pastor Emmitt Williams III, fired from the Illinois church, is charged with loan fraud

Emmitt Williams III, former pastor of Springfield Missionary Baptist Church in Evanston, Illinois, was arrested Oct. 1 and charged with felony loan fraud. The allegations stem from three unauthorized mortgage loans that Williams allegedly purchased on church property.

Williams, 39, was released ahead of a second court date scheduled for Wednesday (October 2). The married father of five has worked at Springfield MBC since 2011.

In January 2024, the church terminated the pastor’s employment for “breach of fiduciary duties” and “deviation from fiduciary duties.” ethical standards and responsibilities expected of someone in your position.”

Church lists alleged ‘violations’ by Emmitt Williams III

In a letter dated January 21, 2024, Springfield MBC Chairman of the Board of Trustees Warren Pitts informed Emmitt Williams III that his termination was effective immediately. Pitts listed three specific violations by Williams that the church had identified, noting that the list was “not exhaustive.”

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According to the termination letter, Williams opened a checking account in the name of the church “without the knowledge and/or authorization” of the trustees. He also applied to the Illinois Secretary of State for a certificate of dissolution or revocation, stating that he was president of the congregation and not an employee of the church. And he “acquired three loans/mortgages” totaling $178,000 without the trustees’ knowledge or approval.

In the letter, Pitts noted that the congregation had entrusted Williams with “significant responsibility” but that the pastor’s actions fell “below their expectations of integrity.” “These violations have had or will have a detrimental impact on the trust the community and leadership had in you guide“, added the chairman.

Back in January, the church gave Williams three days to return church property, keys and documents. Pitts ended the resignation letter by acknowledging that it was “a difficult situation” and by wishing Williams “the best in his future endeavors.”

Former pastor faces fine, prison sentence

According to the Evanston Roundtable, Williams took out the three unauthorized mortgages between April and December 2023. Also in April 2023, he filed paperwork identifying himself as the church’s corporate representative.

Based on the total loan amounts, the loan fraud charge against Williams is a Class 1 felony. The former pastor You can face fines of up to $25,000 and a prison sentence of between four and 15 years.