Tulsa AME Pastor Accused of Stealing Over 500,000 Dollars from Church for Gambling
Pastor Keith Rydell Mayes of a Tulsa African Methodist Episcopal church faces accusations of stealing more than $500,000 in church funds to support a gambling habit. The case has drawn attention to financial oversight practices in faith communities.
Pastor Keith Rydell Mayes of a Tulsa African Methodist Episcopal church is accused of stealing more than $500,000 from the congregation to fund gambling, according to reports from the Black Christian News Network.
The allegations surfaced in September 2026 and have prompted calls within the AME community for stronger financial accountability measures at the local church level. Details on the specific charges and the status of any criminal proceedings were not immediately available.
The AME Church, one of the oldest and largest historically Black denominations in the United States, has faced periodic financial misconduct cases at individual congregations. Church governance structures vary by congregation, and oversight of local finances often depends on the engagement of lay leadership and denominational auditors.
Financial experts who work with faith communities say that churches with limited internal controls, such as single-signatory bank accounts or infrequent audits, are more vulnerable to embezzlement. They recommend dual-signature requirements for large transactions and regular independent financial reviews.
The Tulsa case has not yet resulted in a formal denominational response as of September 22.
