A former pastor in Alabama has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from his church.
United States District Judge Liles C. Burke handed the sentence to 42-year-old Adrian Derrell Davis, who pleaded guilty in October 2025 to wire fraud and filing a false tax return.
“Davis betrayed his congregation when he abused his position of trust for personal gain,” said U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona. “My office is committed to holding accountable individuals who violate positions of public trust.”
Davis served as the lead pastor at All Nations Worship Assembly and also worked as a marketing consultant for the church, receiving a salary and parsonage. However, authorities said he used over $400,000 of church funds for personal expenses, including vehicles, entertainment, retail purchases, mortgage payments for his mother, and credit card bills. Notably, he purchased a 2016 GMC Yukon for $45,982 and spent more than $117,000 paying off his American Express card.
Court documents also stated that Davis filed a false tax return in March 2021, underreporting his income to conceal the fraud.
Under a plea agreement, Davis will pay nearly $550,000 in restitution: over $434,000 to All Nations Worship Assembly and more than $114,000 to the IRS.
“Adrian Davis stole funds from his parishioners and filed false tax returns to conceal his crime,” said Kristen A. Yukness of the IRS Criminal Investigation team. “Agents are dedicated to ensuring that individuals in positions of trust who commit financial fraud are held accountable.”
