BishopAccountability.org
	Shifflett Focus of Embezzlement Investigation By Liz Mitchell Culpeper Star Exponent April 4, 2006 http://www.starexponent.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=CSE/ MGArticle/CSE_MGArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1137835137313 Charles Shifflett, the pastor at First Baptist Church of Culpeper who faces several charges of child abuse and neglect, is now being investigated for embezzlement. "The Sheriff's Office is investigating embezzlement allegations … and they are taking it in a measured and thorough manner, which is appropriate here," Commonwealth's Attorney Gary Close said. "My office is being kept abreast of their investigation, and we have met with potential victims and discussed their concerns. We will make a prosecutorial decision some time in the future." Shifflett, 54, faces eight charges of cruelty and injury to children, child endangerment, and indecent liberties with a child and felonious assault of a 10-year-old girl. The alleged physical and sexual abuse occurred nearly 20 years ago at Calvary Baptist Church and its private K-12 school, where Shifflett was pastor at the time. According to Archie Seale, interim pastor at Calvary Baptist, the Sheriff's Office obtained church financial records about three weeks ago. "Yes, they have them right now," Seale said. "They went back to 1987, boxes and boxes, and they are looking at them." Seale said the records contain checks, statements and deposit slips documenting financial transactions by the church. "There seem to be some irregularities there," Seale said. "So they decided they wanted to come and look at them. They are more qualified to look at them than we are." Close said his office has met with church members and discussed their concerns. "We'll address them as it appears to be appropriate in the future," he said. Sheriff H. Lee Hart said his office began the embezzlement investigation after church members contacted investigators with concerns. However, no search warrants have been conducted on church property. According to the commonwealth's attorney's office, to commit embezzlement the accused must first have been in a trusted position and in possession of the goods of another. But one can also embezzle property that was entrusted or delivered to him. The Code of Virginia states that proof of embezzlement shall be sufficient to sustain the charge of larceny, which if valued over $200 is punishable by up to 20 years in prison or a $2,500 fine. If taken one step further, state law also prohibits money laundering, which is punishable by imprisonment for 40 years and/or a fine of $500,000. To commit this offense, the defendant must have conducted a financial transaction with stolen money. Charges against Shifflett have been trickling in since January. Four warrants have been obtained from individuals claiming to be victims of his abuse. In Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court today, the date for a preliminary hearing will be set, which will determine if there is probable cause to proceed. Liz Mitchell can be reached at 825-0771 ext. 110 or emitchell@starexponent.com. What we knew: Shifflett faces eight charges related to physical and sexual abuse against children for incidents that occurred nearly 20 years ago at Calvary Baptist Church. The latest: The pastor of First Baptist Church of Culpeper is now being investigated for allegations of embezzlement at his former church. What's next: Today, Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court will schedule a preliminary hearing to proceed with Shifflett's case.
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