Pastor to preach despite embezzlement charge

The Rev. Arthur Pearson Sr. of Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church was charged in December with embezzlement. A separate civil lawsuit claims he misappropriated up to $237,000 since 2008.

Pearson’s lawyer Jerry Ashford said he expects Pearson to preach following a judge’s decision Monday.

Kent County Circuit Judge Dennis Leiber said he had no authority to decide whether Pearson should be on church property. Leiber kept in place conditions of a Dec. 30 preliminary injunction including no access to church finances.

Bernard Schaefer, an attorney for church trustees, said it will be up to church members, trustees and Pearson to work out details.