By Associated Press - Thursday, April 17, 2014

VAN BUREN, Ark. (AP) - Police in Van Buren have arrested a man for allegedly embezzling $94,000 from a church and a school where he handled the organizations’ finances.

Van Buren police say 39-year-old John Richard Hays is charged with felony theft.

Hays served as treasurer for Vista Free Will Baptist Church and as chief financial officer for Van Buren Christian Academy.



Police say the theft took place over four years and that Hays was fired after church officials found problems in bank statements.

It was unclear if Hays has an attorney.

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