Behind closed doors, questions and concerns had been quietly building at Ashland Baptist Church for almost a year. But what began as a concern about the finances of the church has now become a reality of betrayal, arrests, and lost trust, and it will, no doubt, be some time in coming before it heals.
Deputies arrested a couple in the Chestnut area after a ten-month inquiry, alleging that they stole more than $156,000 from the church they were responsible for. According to the reports, 71-year-old Troy R. Wamsley, a deacon at Ashland Baptist Church, and 58-year-old Mandy L. Wamsley, the treasurer at the church, where they were members for many years, abused their position of trust.
As reported by Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, it was revealed that there were over 100 unauthorized check writings and cashing that occurred. This financial malpractice came to light in February when the concerns of discrepancies were raised by officials of this church and reported to the authorities.
As more information came to light, it came into focus just how extensive a theft had been committed. It has been made clear by Sheriff Stuart Wright that a ‘systematic misuse of funds’ has come to light, ‘which has happened quietly over a period of time’ – a devastating blow to a tight-knit community of faith.
During a meeting with officials in the church, according to authorities, the Wamsleys admitted to embezzling the cash. “They did apologize for it and told the leaders that they wanted to repay it,” said Sheriff Wright. Detectives confirmed that most of the embezzled money has been paid back to the church.
On December 16, the deputies took Troy and Mandy Wamsley into custody with no problem. They were both charged with theft of more than $25,000. They were booked into the LaSalle Corrections and the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center until being released on bonds of $10,000 each.
For people who go to Ashland Baptist Church, these arrests have come as a shock. People say it does more than damage people financially – it affects them on a level where faith, trust, and community have been torn apart. A church is a place where people take people who have shown them nothing but betrayal.
Sheriff Wright praised the detectives for their doggedness and thoroughness during the extensive probe. The sheriff reiterated that trust is highly sacred, more so at places of worship. He was glad that trust had been preserved by the efforts of law enforcement. As the legal proceedings continue, the church community is working to heal, restore confidence, and seek a way forward in a spirit of transparency, accountability, and faith after what has been a difficult and painful period.
