Pastor accused of embezzlement fired

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - An Grand Rapids pastor facing trial for embezzlement charges has been removed from his church.

The Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church held a special meeting for congregation members on Saturday afternoon to determine whether they would remove Rev. Arthur Pearson.

The members voted to remove Pearson, the church secretary told 24 Hour News 8. She said Pearson is no longer with the church.

In total, church officials allege that $237,374.40 was taken from the church since Pearson took over as pastor in 2008. The complaint alleges that Pearson's wife and the church's former bookkeeper were also involved in the stealing.

He is accused of spending between $50,000 and $100,000 of the church's money on personal items, including car repair and trips to the mall.

He will stand trial for the crime after a lengthy preliminary hearing.

The charges have divided the congregation. Some stand behind the pastor, others say he should be brought to justice, and still others believe he took the money but that legal action was not necessary.