Former church employee charged with theft and embezzlement of $40,000 from the City of Edmonds

EDMONDS, Washington – A former church employee is accused of stealing about $40,000 worth of music equipment and embezzling thousands of dollars from the congregation at Westgate Chapel in Edmonds.

Edmonds Police (EPD) arrested the 37-year-old suspect Thursday in Fife after a months-long investigation that began in August when church officials alerted police to the possible theft after noticing music equipment was missing.

Police told KOMO News that the suspect had only worked at the church for a few months, but he was seen on surveillance footage capturing the equipment. Investigators learned that he would then sell the equipment through various means, including OfferUp.

“Everything from musical instruments, drum kits, speakers, stage equipment, microphones and lighting equipment,” said EPD Commander Shane Hawley. “He took pictures of equipment while he was employed and posted them online to tell people he had access to it and let me know if you want to buy it.”

In addition, police say the suspect falsified invoices for car repairs and solicited approximately $10,000 from church members for help with his alleged car repairs.

“He created false documents regarding repair bills and then convinced them that he actually needed the money for repairs, when in reality his car did not need any repairs and all he wanted was the money,” Hawley said.

Church officials at Westgate Chapel declined to comment further on the ex-employee’s arrest.

KOMO News is not yet naming the suspect because he has not yet been formally charged. He is currently in custody at the Snohomish County Jail for theft and forgery.