Sarasota Couple Bilked Church For $40K: Sheriff

SARASOTA, FL — A Sarasota husband and wife face felony scheme to defraud charges after deputies say nearly $40,000 was stolen from Faith Baptist Church.

According to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the long-term theft at the 8751 Fruitville Road church began in September 2014 and about spanned two years. Deputies say Amanda Towner, 25, worked at the church as a bookkeeper. Her husband, Nolan Towner, 30, volunteered at the church helping with audio, technical support.

The “investigation revealed that Nolan used the pastor’s credit card number to purchase personal items on Amazon and withdrew money to put in his personal account,” the sheriff’s office wrote in announcing the Towners’ Jan. 10 arrests. “Amanda made monthly payments using church funds.”

All told, the two are accused of taking $39,471.99 over the two-year period.

Church officials discovered the possible theft in late 2016, kicking off an investigation.

Nolan and Amanda Towner were charged in the case Tuesday. They both have posted $7,500 bond, the sheriff’s office said.

According to an arrest report, Nolan admitted to using the stolen Chase business credit card number following his arrest. Amanda told deputies she and Nolan were having marital problems and that “she was aware of the charges on the card but did not want to get her husband into trouble,” the report said. “Amanda was hoping it would simply stop.”

No further information is available at this time.

Booking photos courtesy of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office