He deserves what’s coming to him.
A Texas pastor has been handed a severe sentence of 35 years behind bars following revelations of his involvement in a deceitful scheme that saw him unlawfully seize control of three churches through fraudulent deeds.
Whitney Foster, the pastor affiliated with the True Foundation Non-Denominational Church, stood accused and subsequently found guilty of perpetrating felony theft concerning three distinct Texan church properties: the First Christian Church of Lancaster, Canada Drive Christian Church, and Church at Nineveh located in Dallas.
According to reports from ABC affiliate WFAA, Foster’s unlawful activities amounted to a staggering theft of $300,000. Despite being presented with an opportunity to accept a plea bargain for a reduced sentence, Foster opted to contest the charges, resulting in a four-day testimony during which the various allegations were consolidated into a single case. Speaking to WFAA after the trial, prosecutor Phillip Clark emphasized the severity of real estate theft, likening it to the theft of personal belongings such as purses or vehicles, albeit with added complexity in rectifying the damage caused.
Even with Foster’s conviction, the aftermath of his actions continues to plague the affected congregations. Clark highlighted ongoing challenges faced by the churches, including the complete eviction of the Canada Drive Christian Church congregation from their premises and the ongoing efforts of the Lancaster church to rectify the turmoil wrought by Foster’s fraudulent deeds, with properties still registered under his or his church’s name.
During the trial’s penalty phase, the Dallas County jury was presented with evidence indicating that seven additional properties, primarily belonging to churches, exhibited similar patterns of deed fraud. Prosecutors referenced a May 2021 WFAA report detailing the fraudulent acquisition of the First Christian Church of Lancaster. The report unveiled records indicating a dubious transaction in which an individual purportedly acting as the church chairman deeded the property to Foster for a mere $10. Foster, in an interview with WFAA, attempted to justify the transaction by claiming he believed the property to be vacant and was under the impression he was acquiring it for his church’s use.
However, investigations by WFAA revealed that Foster had issued a $10 check to the Lancaster church, dubbing it a “donation” and suggesting it entitled him to ownership. Rev. Melissa Bitting, in possession of the check, expressed incredulity at Foster’s actions, particularly his audacity to attend a Sunday service before perpetrating the theft. The church, steeped in over 170 years of history, stands as one of the oldest in North Texas, making Foster’s fraudulent acquisition all the more egregious.