Author: Tanya Eiserer, Mark Smith
A Dallas pastor, Whitney Foster, has been sentenced to 35 years in prison after being found guilty of stealing three churches through a fraudulent deed scheme. Foster, the pastor of True Foundation Non-Denominational Church, was convicted of felony theft involving First Christian Church of Lancaster, Canada Drive Christian Church, and Church at Nineveh in Dallas, amounting to a total theft of $300,000.
Rejecting a plea deal for a lesser sentence, Foster testified during a four-day trial. Prosecutor Phillip Clark stated, “Stealing real estate is just as much a theft as stealing someone’s purse or car. But it is much more complicated to unwind or fix.”
Despite his conviction, the impact of Foster’s actions continues to reverberate. Clark noted that the congregations are still facing challenges related to the deed fraud. “The Canada Drive Christian Church congregation was completely booted out of their church building,” he explained, adding that Lancaster’s congregation is still working to resolve the issues created by Foster. The churches of Nineveh and Canada also remain registered under Foster’s name.
During the trial’s punishment phase, jurors were presented with evidence that linked Foster to similar fraudulent activity involving seven other properties, primarily church buildings and lots.
In a WFAA report from May 2021, it was revealed that an individual posing as the church chairman had transferred ownership of the First Christian Church of Lancaster to Foster for just $10. In an interview, Foster claimed he believed the building was vacant and that he had been maintaining the grounds. He stated, “You can acquire a property for $10 with nonprofits. The church is community property… It wasn’t Whitney buying it. Our church was getting it. I was fixing to open up a church there.”
Rev. Melissa Bitting shared a copy of the $10 check dated March 18, 2019, which was labeled as a “donation.” She expressed disbelief at Foster’s audacity to worship with the congregation before his deceit was revealed.
This congregation, over 170 years old, is one of the oldest in North Texas, with a historical marker noting its status as “one of the oldest Christian congregations in continuous service in the state.”
WFAA’s 2022 “Dirty Deeds” special highlighted how easy it is for criminals to manipulate the county clerk’s system to steal properties that do not belong to them.