NewsWFLA News TampaJuly 31, 2026Sarasota County
Lakewood Ranch church members report $10,000 in stolen donation checks
At least six members of a Lakewood Ranch church have had their donation checks intercepted, fraudulently endorsed, and deposited into unauthorized accounts, totaling nearly $10,000 in losses. The church is currently seeking to recover the stolen funds as the investigation into the check theft continues.
Read the full story at WFLA News TampaWhy It Matters
Church members and donors in the Lakewood Ranch area face the risk of financial loss through check interception and unauthorized deposit, impacting the security of charitable contributions.
Key Facts
Each fact below is taken from the article. Click one to see the exact passage.
Who's Mentioned
locationLakewood Ranch“The location where the church and the affected members are based.”personShannon Behnken“Consumer investigator for WFLA who contacted the bank on behalf of Oswald Reid.”organizationHarvest United Methodist Church“Lakewood Ranch church that was the intended recipient of the stolen donation che”personOswald Reid“Retired CEO and church member whose $1,833 donation check was stolen.”organizationSarasota County Sheriff’s Office“Law enforcement agency investigating the check theft.”personBill Schrimpf“Finance director for Harvest United Methodist Church who reported the total loss”