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Dec 1, 2008 2:08 pm US/Central
L.A. Pastor Charges $122K On Church Credit Card
Rev. John Hunter Apologizes To First AME Church
LOS ANGELES (AP) ―
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Pastor John Hunter allegedly used his church's credit card to charge $122,000 in personal expenses.
AP
The pastor for First AME Church in Los Angeles has apologized to his congregation over his use of a church credit card for $122,000 in personal expenses.
Sunday's apology follows a Los Angeles Times report that John Hunter used a church credit card for vacations, clothes, jewelry and other items.
The 51-year-old pastor has signed a deal to repay the money.
Hunter, who also failed to pay more than $309,000 in federal taxes, says he's working out a payment plan with the Internal Revenue Service.
Hunter reassured the congregation there's no criminal activity, saying it's embarrassing to see private church matters aired publicly.
Hunter took over at First African American Episcopal Church when the Rev. Cecil "Chip" Murray retired in 2004.
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