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Rogers
Diane Rogers, 71, of Beaumont, stood before 252nd District Court Judge Raquel West on April 15, officially entering a plea of guilty to stealing more than $50,000 from a local church.
According to the probable cause affidavit for Rogers’ arrest, she served as president of the board for Unity Church of Beaumont and, in her capacity as president, had possession of the church debit card, which was supposed to be used for church business only.
Rogers used the card numerous times through Paypal from July 8, 2022, to Sept. 1, 2022.
Using the card outside of the scope of her board position, Rogers sent money to a friend by the name of “Ray.” Her theft resulted in a loss of $53,192.27, which included a large overdraft from a returned check she deposited.
“It’s clear to me it’s a scam and this person doesn’t really exist,” said West. “This was all about getting money for somebody named ‘Ray,’ who we don’t think really exists.” West continued with a warning to Rogers, advising her that she cannot believe anything someone says or does that she does not actually see in person.
“People online are very persuasive and make people do things like what you did…which is steal from a church to help someone you don’t even know in person, which makes no sense.”
West went on to warn Rogers, “If someone needs money and you don’t have it, obviously you don’t take it from someone else to give it to them – especially a church!”
Rogers was ordered to serve 10 years’ probation and pay $53,192.27 in restitution for the third-degree felony theft.