Former Orange County Church Pastors Decline DA’s Plea Deal
Two former pastors of an Orange County church turned down a plea deal to serve a three-year prison term on charges of grand theft and conspiracy to commit fraud. According to an article in The Orange County Register , Richard and Philip Cunningham – father and son – turned down a plea bargain on the felony counts for which they could’ve faced up to six years in state prison.
Richard Cunningham was the founder of the Calvary Baptist Church of Yorba Linda in 1971 and his son, Philip, became the church’s senior pastor about 12 years ago. Both pleaded not guilty to the felony counts and a trial date is yet to be set, the Register reported.
However, this is not the Cunninghams’ last chance for a plea deal. The judge in this case has asked for a report from the county Probation Department, which will present the bulk of the evidence in favor of and against the two former pastors. For example, it could contain statements from those who support them as well as those who consider themselves their victims. When this report is presented at the next pre-trial hearing, both sides will have one more chance to work out a plea deal.
Prosecutors allege that the two have taken more than $3 million from the congregation and a school that is affiliated with the church. According to the article, the Cunninghams have since returned that amount of money to the church. Defense attorneys maintain that the losses that are being alleged are highly inflated and this is an attempt to take advantage of the Cunninghams.
An allegation of fraud or grand theft, as in this case, could have extremely serious repercussions including prison time. Our Orange County Criminal Defense attorneys take the time to listen to your side of the story. We conduct our independent investigation thoroughly. We have former prosecutors and former police investigators on our side. These are people who know how a prosecution compiles its case and what facts and details are missing or weak in that case.
If you or a loved one has been charged with a grand theft or fraud, call us for a free consultation. We will schedule an appointment to meet with you right away and find a way to get you the best possible result, be it reducing the charges, fines/penalties or getting you acquitted.
