Whitney Foster, a 56-year-old pastor from Lancaster, has been found guilty of theft of property exceeding $300,000 in value.
Details: Foster, who led a small congregation without a physical gathering place, orchestrated the theft of real estate from three churches. He accomplished this by filing fraudulent deeds that falsely listed himself as the grantee and fabricated leaders of the victim churches as the grantors. The combined value of the stolen properties exceeds $800,000.
While two of the properties remain under Foster's name, with his congregation still using one for gatherings, the third church is grappling with the aftermath of the deception.
Trial: During the trial, evidence of seven additional fraudulent deeds surfaced, bearing similarities to the ones Foster was indicted for. Additionally, the jury was made aware of Foster's prior convictions, including identity theft and arson.
Verdict: Foster was found guilty and sentenced to 35 years in prison on May 21, 2024.
Legal Team: The prosecution was led by Phillip Clark, with Melinda Chaney serving as second chair. DA Investigator Hoyt Hoffman assisted in the investigation, which was spearheaded by the Lancaster Police Department.
