Kentucky pastor pleads guilty after hiding COVID loan money in church bank account
A Barbourville pastor pleaded guilty to concealing COVID-19 relief funds in his church’s bank account during bankruptcy proceedings.
Ray Dean Jr., a pastor at God’s Temple Church in Barbourville, pleaded guilty to a single count of false declaration — meaning he did not report an account or money in his possession during bankruptcy proceedings — on Nov. 14. Dean waived his right to a formal indictment.
In April 2021, Dean filed an application for a $200,000 economic injury disaster loan through the Small Business Administration.
After Dean received the loan, he deposited the money into his church’s bank account, and then used $92,000 to purchase a mobile home, according to the plea agreement.
On June 20, 2024, Dean filed for bankruptcy and stated his only liability was the $200,000 federal loan.
In declaring Chapter 7 bankruptcy, a person must disclose any checking, savings, or other financial accounts.
According to court documents, Dean only disclosed two accounts with a combined balance of $105, which federal prosecutors said was a “material false statement.”
Dean still had a remaining $100,000 worth of funds in the church’s bank account that he did not report during proceedings.
Dean faces a maximum of five years in prison and a fine up to $250,000. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 6, 2026.
