A former Texas pastor has been sentenced to 35 years in prison after being convicted of stealing three churches worth more than $800,000, according to Dallas County prosecutors.
Whitney Foster, 56, who led True Foundation nondenominational church in Dallas, was found guilty of theft of property involving three local churches. Foster reportedly filed fraudulent property deeds listing fictitious pastors or church officials to steal real estate from the churches. He listed his own church as the grantee on the deed documents, with the total value of the stolen properties exceeding $800,000.
The churches affected by Foster’s actions were First Christian Church in Lancaster, Texas, Canada Drive Christian Church, and Church at Ninevah. Two of the properties are still under Foster’s name, while the congregation continues to meet at one of the locations. Legal complications persist over the third property due to the pastor’s misconduct.
The jury review also uncovered seven additional fraudulent acts beyond the three leading to Foster’s conviction. He had previous convictions for identity theft and arson.
John Creuzot, Dallas County criminal district attorney, described the crime as incredibly serious and damaging, emphasizing the importance of property ownership in society. Phillip Clark, a Dallas County prosecutor, highlighted the significance of property ownership for security, homes, and economic contributions. He expressed gratitude for the jury holding Foster accountable for his deeds.
In a separate incident in 2021, the pastor of the Lancaster church discovered that the property was deeded to another person for $10 without the congregation’s knowledge. The property, valued at $700,000 at the time, was transferred by someone posing as the church chairman to a non-member.
Foster defended the transaction, claiming he intended to establish a new church on the property. Clark noted a surge in deed fraud cases nationally, emphasizing the severity and consequences of such fraudulent activities.
