LOUISA, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Brenda W. Ragland, a 64-year-old former secretary and member of a local church, has been convicted on fourteen counts of embezzlement, according to Louisa Commonwealth’s Attorney Rusty McGuire. Over her 20-year tenure, Ragland took more than $670,000 from the church. Investigators found that Ragland not only withdrew funds from the church’s bank account but also redirected congregants’ tithes, sent via CashApp, into her personal account for several years.

The issue came to light in early 2023 when the church attempted to make a donation to another local congregation. Unable to reach Ragland, who was traveling, the church board contacted their bank directly and discovered there wasn’t enough money to make the donation. This led the church to immediately review its financial records, which were then turned over to the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office for further investigation.

Authorities confirmed Ragland’s actions, but due to the limitations of bank records, which only go back seven years, the actual amount stolen could be even higher than the confirmed $670,000. Ragland had been using the church’s resources for personal gain by diverting tithes and donations, which hurt the church’s financial stability.

“It’s a sad day for the church. They trusted Mrs. Ragland to manage the church’s funds, and she broke that trust by using the money for herself,” McGuire said. Senior Assistant Commonwealth Attorney Megan Riordan, who prosecuted the case with McGuire, added, “Ragland caused significant financial damage to the church she was supposed to help. We hope the church can recover financially.”

Ragland, who remains free on bond, will be sentenced on January 27, 2025, and could face up to 280 years in prison.