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Police: former Indianapolis pastor swindled church, splurged on Benz & mink coat

Updated: Tuesday, 27 Jul 2010, 3:41 PM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 27 Jul 2010, 3:30 PM EDT

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Indiana authorities say a former Indianapolis pastor bilked a Christian organization out of nearly a half million dollars, spending part of the money on a Mercedes Benz and a mink coat.

An indictment from the Indiana US Attorney's Office alleges 36-year-old Wayne Taft Harris Junior convinced Florida-based Third World Missions to loan him $483,000 to build a church in Indianapolis.

Third World Missions operates bible schools and orphanages in various locations throughout the world, authorities say.

The indictment says Harris used at least $144,584 of the loan on other things, including a Mercedes Benz automobile, a man's mink coat and a Christian bookstore.

Harris then told Third World Missions a staff member was responsible for misappropriating the funds.

Prosecutors say Harris faces a maximum of 40 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.

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