A former Hamilton County pastor has been sentenced to 21 months in federal prison for fraudulently taking COVID-19 relief funds meant for his church.
Federal prosecutors say 58-year-old Terry Hall of McLeansboro pleaded guilty to wire fraud and making false statements. He’s been ordered to repay nearly $200,000 to the Small Business Administration and will serve two years of supervised release after his prison term.
U.S. Attorney Steven Weinhoeft said most pastors responded to the pandemic with “selfless service,” but Hall instead used the money for personal expenses.
Investigators say Hall applied for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan in 2020 and had the $199,900 deposited directly into his personal bank account, spending it on things like his mortgage and travel rather than helping his church.
