Church embezzlement suspect faces court date

Oct. 26 is the next court date for a former youth minister accused of taking $73,000 from a Shelbyville church.

William Charles Lohn appeared briefly with Murfreesboro attorney John Taylor in Bedford County Circuit Court Monday to have his case continued until next month.

The former minister was indicted last month by the Bedford County grand jury on charges he embezzled the funds from Shelbyville Mills Baptist Church over a three-year period.

Lohn was terminated from his position at the church after the allegations surfaced.

The case against Lohn was presented directly to the grand jury by Shelbyville detectives Brian Crews and Charles Merlo last month instead of the matter making its way through General Sessions court.

Allegations arose during the summer that Lohn embezzled $73,000 from the church. Crews stated that one of the members of the church became aware there were discrepancies with their finances and upon looking at the numbers further, discovered that Lohn was allegedly "writing himself additional checks."

Shelbyville police were contacted by the church's pastor and treasurer, who requested their assistance in the matter.

Associate Pastor David Brown told the Times-Gazette last month that "we are cooperating with authorities by providing them with information and we are praying for Charles and his reconciliation with the church."

Lohn is free on $5,000 bond.