HUDSON–A 55-year-old former minister of the Bible Baptist Church in Ghent has been charged with third degree grand larceny for allegedly stealing tens of thousands of dollars from his church.
James Osbourne, who now lives in Granville, appeared before County Judge Richard Koweek in Columbia County Court Thursday morning, April 30.
A sealed indictment handed down by the Columbia County Grand Jury says he stole the money from 2010 to 2014. District Attorney Paul Czajka says Mr. Osbourne used the money for personal use to pay off credit cards and for other expenses. Church members say the figure may exceed $70,000.
Members of the church discovered the missing funds and turned the investigation over to the DA and State Police. He was sent to the Columbia County Jail without bail.
