Word Community Church Elders Back Pastor Scott Willmore After Felony Theft Indictment

The Word Community Church leadership officials have responded after their Pastor turned himself in on a felony theft charge on Monday.

A Tuscaloosa County Grand Jury indicted Pastor Scott Willmore on a single count of felony theft following a months-long investigation into finances at the Word Community Church in Northport. That investigation was launched after church members contacted the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Department to express their concern over Willmore's use of church finances.

After the indictment was announced, Word Community Church Elder Dale Lester reached out to the Tuscaloosa Thread with a statement. Lester said the church is not pursuing the matter and believes the investigation stems from accusations made by former members.

Lester said Word Church Elders have internally cleared Willmore of any wrongdoing:

The Elder board of the church has been aware of the investigation and has conducted our own investigation into the allegations that former disgruntled members of the church have accused him of. The current Elder Board, with the current Finance committee, has not found any wrongdoing of our Pastor, and we stand behind him.

Lester directly addressed the origins of the accusations against Willmore.

"These charges are being brought by disgruntled former members of the church, and he is being falsely accused," he said.

READ MORE: Northport Pastor Faces Felony Theft Charge, Accused of Stealing from His Own Church

Following his indictment, Word Community Church Pastor Scott Willmore was released from the Tuscaloosa County Jail on Monday on a $30,000 bond.

An indictment is not an official finding of guilt, and Willmore is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.