The sentencing of a Norris City man in federal court has been delayed once more.
Fifty-eight-year-old Terry Hall, former lead pastor at Turning Point Church of God in McLeansboro, was originally scheduled for sentencing on July 22nd. That date was rescheduled to September 9th, and now his sentencing has been pushed back again to October 28th.
Hall pled guilty earlier this year to two counts of wire fraud, two counts of making false statements, and one count of providing false documents. Federal prosecutors say Hall defrauded the government of $199,900 through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act in 2020.
According to the indictment, Hall applied for and received an Economic Injury Disaster Loan through the U.S. Small Business Administration. On July 28, 2020, $92,900 was deposited into his personal bank account. In April 2021, Hall requested a loan increase, and by May 2022, he secured an additional $107,000 after convincing church members to wire the funds directly into his account.
Sources allege Hall used the money for personal expenses, including luxury vacations to Africa, bear hunts in Maine, vehicles, and a building on his property, rather than addressing pandemic-related financial needs of the church.
The Turning Point Church of God, with an estimated 250 members, suffered significant financial hardship as a result of Hall’s actions, according to federal filings.
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