Staff Report
Brian Herring, 49, pleaded guilty in Boone County Circuit Court this week to charges of theft of property, a Class B felony, and forgery in the second degree, a Class C felony. He was sentenced to seventeen years probation for theft and ten years probation for forgery.
These charges stem from a case opened in 2021 when representatives of Harrison Faith Assembly of God Church contacted the Boone County Sheriff’s Office in October 2021, reporting money missing from the church.
Herring was a pastor at the church and an investigation determined that he had used the church’s credit card and other church accounts for personal expenses. Investigators indicated in an affidavit that Herring had also deleted content on electronics to hide his transactions, and manipulated documents to hide his wrongdoing. He was arrested Nov. 13, 2021 on charges of theft of property and tampering with physical evidence. Herring's plea and sentencing this week excludes the charge of tampering.
In addition to $1,490 in fines and fees to the court, Herring is required to pay $100,000 in restitution to the church — at a minimum rate of $500 per month. The payment amount could be increased based on future financial means. He is also required to complete 800 hours of community service at a non-profit within the first three years of his probation. The community service cannot be performed at a church or religious organization.
