Staccato Powell, a former bishop, pleaded guilty to charges involving wire fraud, mail fraud, and conspiracy. He fraudulently transferred church property deeds to an entity he created and used them as collateral for loans. Powell agreed to pay restitution of $3 million to $12.5 million and forfeit claims to church properties, including notable churches in California. Alongside co-defendant Sheila Quintana, who also pleaded guilty, Powell orchestrated the scheme, which included falsifying documents and misappropriating funds for personal expenses, such as mortgage payments.
In 2016, Powell formed an entity called Western Episcopal District, Inc., of which he served as the chief executive officer and Quintana served as the chief financial officer from 2017 to 2019.
He formed this entity shortly after being appointed as bishop of the church's Western Episcopal District, which encompasses several western states.
Powell instructed pastors to transfer the title of their church properties to Western Episcopal District by signing deeds.
Some of the loan funds were used by Powell to personal benefit, including paying off a mortgage he owed.
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