Tulsa Pastor Pleads Guilty to Embezzling $504K From Church, Funds Went to Gambling and Guns

A former Tulsa pastor admitted in federal court that he stole more than half a million dollars from his own congregation. Keith Rydell Mayes Sr., 63, pleaded guilty September 14 to bank fraud and tax evasion. He was hired as senior pastor of Vernon AME Church in October 2021, and five months later he opened a bank account titled“Administrative Expenses,”using his home address to keep it off the church’s radar. Between March 2022 and November 2025, $504,314 in donations, collections, and disbursements flowed into that account. He also diverted $365,000 in stock donations meant for the church in 2021 and 2022.

Prosecutors say the money supported a gambling habit, personal expenses, and firearm purchases. Mayes never reported the income to the IRS, leaving him owing $205,765 in unpaid taxes. His plea agreement requires full restitution and forfeiture of the firearms. A federal judge will set his sentencing date later.

For churches, the case raises an uncomfortable question: how does nearly three and a half years of missing money go unnoticed? Financial controls like dual signatures, regular audits, and separate counting teams exist precisely for moments like this. What safeguards does your church have in place? Tell us in the comments.