A former financial stewardship pastor at Southall Church in White House, Tennessee, is facing a felony theft charge after the congregation reported more than $350,000 missing. Paul Leo Tremblay, 58, was indicted by a Williamson County grand jury on Sept. 3 on a charge of theft of property valued at $250,000 or more. Investigators say the alleged theft took place over his nine years of employment at the church.
Southall Church contacted Williamson County detectives in August 2025 about the suspected theft, according to the investigation. Deputies arrested Tremblay, who was booked into the Williamson County Criminal Justice Center on $75,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in Williamson County Circuit Court on Sept. 30. No additional details about the evidence in the case have been released.
For faith communities across the Suncoast, from Sarasota to Punta Gorda, the case raises a practical question: who is watching the books? Financial experts who work with nonprofits recommend routine outside audits, dual signatures on large transactions, and regular financial reports shared with the full congregation. If your church or charity hasn’t reviewed its safeguards lately, this is a good week to start. What financial practices does your congregation use to build trust?
