RCSD: Local pastor, wife arrested on fraud charges

RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO)– A local pastor and his wife were arrested on fraud charges.

Courtesy: Sumter County Sheriff’s Office

Police lights

On June 9 of 2025, Richland County deputies were called about a pastor misusing his church collection funds.

The report stated that Barry Spears had been accepting donations through the church’s non-profit status and was using the parishioners’ donations to pay personal bills.

Upon further investigation, it was found that Spears and his wife Jeri Spears had stolen over $200,000 of the church’s money.

Both Barry and Jeri Spears turned themselves in Tuesday, September 29, 2026, and were taken to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.

Barry is charged with violations of the computer crime act, 1st degree, forgery $10,000 or more and breach of trust with fraudulent intent.

Jeri is charged with obtaining goods under false pretenses $10,000 or more.

Both received personal recognizance bonds.