Samuel Darin Taylor, 7/8/1948, was arrested by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and charged with stealing funds from a local church located at 1571 East Duval, Lake City, FL.
Detective Walter Douglas began an investigation into the misuse of church funds in June of 2009 when the church board and bookkeeper noticed discrepancies in the churches accounting. It is alleged that Mr. Taylor, former pastor, forged documents to receive loans and mortgages from a local bank. Mr. Taylor opened several credit card accounts without the approval of the church board. Mr. Taylor is also accused of using donated property (land) as collateral to receive the loans. It is estimated that he defrauded the church of over $250,000.00.
Arrest warrants have also been issued for Anthony Raburn for allegedly conspiring with Mr. Taylor to defraud the church. It is believed that Mr. Raburn is no longer in Lake City, FL.
Samuel Darin Taylor, 275 S.E. Rosewood Circle, Lake City, FL, was arrested on July 14, 2009 without incident. Mr. Taylor is currently being charged with the following felonies:
Conspiracy to Commit Grand Theft
Scheming with Intent to Defraud
Racketeering
Mortgage Fraud
Money Laundering
He was booked into the Columbia County Detention Facility and being held on $50,000.00 bond. Additional arrests are pending in this case as the investigation moves forward.
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