Arrest of church elder caught on camera; accused of stealing $250K from church donations

A Channel 2 Action News camera captured exclusive footage of a former church elder’s arrest Friday in LaGrange.

Details from the investigation LIVE on Channel 2 Action News at 6 p.m.

Investigators said Howard Lester is accused of stealing around $250,000, mostly donations from the church’s banking account, and using it for personal expenses.

Lester told Channel 2’s Tom Regan while he was inside his house, off camera, that he had confessed to the congregation of the Broad Street Church of Christ that he stole money from the account. He said he was trying to come up with a plan to pay it back.

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While Channel 2 was at his home, police arrived and took him into custody. Our camera was rolling as police escorted him from his home.

He’s accused of stealing the money over the course of several years.

Lester declined to make a comment when asked on camera.

“Mister Lester would you like to say anything about this?” Regan asked.

“No thanks,” Lester responded.

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