Saturday, October 3, 2026 - Keith Rydell Mayes Sr., 63, the former pastor of Vernon African Methodist Episcopal Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has pleaded guilty to taking more than $504,000 from the historic church, which survived the 1921 Tulsa Race ma§§acre.
He admitted to bank fraud and tax evasion on September 14,
2026.
Federal prosecutors said he diverted $504,313.88 between
March 2022 and November 2025.
Mayes became senior pastor in October 2021.
Prosecutors said that shortly after taking office he opened
a bank account labelled Administrative Expenses and was the only person allowed
to sign for it.
He allegedly used it to collect donations without the
knowledge of the church's governing leadership.
One major case involved a donor who gave $365,000 worth of
stocks to the church in 2021 and 2022.
Mayes reportedly sold the shares, put the money into a
church account and then diverted most of it for personal use.
Investigators said he spent the money on gambling, personal
expenses and f+rearms.
He also failed to declare the money as income, leaving more
than $205,000 in unpaid federal taxes.
Under his plea deal, Mayes agreed to repay $504,313.88,
including $205,765.60 owed to the IRS.
He also agreed to give up the f+rearms and ammunition bought
with the money.
The church's 12th Episcopal District distanced its
leadership from the case.
Bishop Silvester Scott Beaman said the actions described in
the federal case were not authorised by the congregation or the leadership of
Vernon A.M.E. Church.
The district said Mayes stopped serving as pastor in May
2026 and that the church has reviewed its financial procedures.
Mayes was released on bond and remains under supervision
until sentencing.
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