The Dallas County local prosecutor’s office announced on Monday that a pastor in Texas has been sentenced to prison for stealing real estate from multiple churches in Dallas County.
Whitney Foster, the leader of the non-denominational church True Foundation, was convicted in May for forging documents to gain control of three churches in Dallas County. His attorney, Thomas Allen, represented him during the trial.
Prosecutor John Creuzot stated in a release, “Stealing real estate is an extremely serious and destructive criminal act. When someone steals property, we must hold them accountable because they are harming others.”
The scheme affected the First Christian Church in Lancaster, the Canadian Avenue Christian Church in Dallas, and the Nineveh Church in Dallas.
The Dallas County prosecutor’s office indicated that two properties are still under Foster’s or his congregation’s name, while the third church is still embroiled in legal disputes resulting from Foster’s actions.
According to the church’s Facebook page, Foster’s small congregation is still gathering at the Canadian Avenue Church. However, the church’s phone number is no longer in service. On June 9th, a church service video was posted on the page.
The 56-year-old pastor was sentenced to 35 years in prison for stealing property valued at $300,000 or more. The total value of the three churches’ properties was reported to be over $800,000.
Foster has a criminal record, including charges of theft and arson.
During the sentencing, the prosecution presented evidence of “seven additional instances of fraud” to the jury, similar to the three charges he was convicted of.
Chief Prosecutor Phillip Clark expressed gratitude that the jury found Foster guilty. “Property ownership is the cornerstone of our society – it provides security, home, love, and a welcoming place for each other,” Clark said in a statement. “Contract fraud cases are not just disputes; they are lies and deception – they are theft – and have far-reaching destructive consequences. I am grateful that the jury saw the truth of this case and held the defendant accountable.”
The First Christian Church in Lancaster filed a motion for judicial review in November 2020 after church officials were notified that someone unrelated to the congregation claimed ownership of the church’s property.
On March 19, 2019, Aaron Finley, who claimed to be the chairman of the First Christian Church in Lancaster, signed a “Quitclaim Deed,” agreeing to transfer the property to Foster. Court documents obtained by Epoch Times revealed that Finley had no association with the church.
According to records, the church was established in 1846 and is one of the oldest Christian churches in North Texas. However, the church’s phone number is no longer in use, indicating that this historic church may face closure due to property theft.
Investigators quickly linked Foster’s scheme to the Canadian Avenue Church and the Nineveh Church.
In May 2021, he posted a video on social media denying the charges against him. “I want you to know, Amen, that this is a scandal, Amen,” he said. “I am innocent.”
Foster is expected to appeal his conviction. As of the time of publication, his lawyer has not responded to requests for comments.
In Dallas County, property owners can set alerts to notify them of claims or transactions on their property. Similar services are available in other counties as well.