A former McLeansboro pastor who prosecutors say deceived both the federal government and his own congregation has been sentenced to prison. Terry Hall, longtime pastor of the Turning Point Church of God, was sentenced Wednesday afternoon in federal court in Benton to up to 21 months behind bars and ordered to repay $210,103.62 to the U.S. Small Business Administration.
A sharply worded sentencing memo described Hall as “deceptive,” outlining an extensive effort to obtain more than $199,000 in COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) funds in the church’s name. Prosecutors say Hall forged documents, intimidated church members, and even sought assistance from Congressman Mike Bost’s office to push the loan through.
Hall first applied for an EIDL loan in April 2020. On July 28th of that year, he electronically signed the documents and $92,900 was wired directly into his personal bank account. In April 2021, he attempted to secure a second disbursement. By that time, federal scrutiny had increased, and the SBA required additional verification. Hall repeatedly messaged the SBA and contacted Rep. Bost’s office, claiming the church was in financial distress due to weeks of COVID-related closures.
When the SBA informed Hall that loan funds could not be deposited into his personal account, he pressured and intimidated the church’s finance committee into approving his request to receive the funds anyway. On May 17, 2022, after the SBA deposited $107,000 into the church’s account, the money was immediately transferred to Hall’s personal account.
Federal investigators say bank records show Hall used the funds for personal expenses, including paying off his mortgage, building a pole barn, travel, clothing, gas, and food.
The fallout within Turning Point Church of God was severe. Members reported that Hall’s behavior was “verbally aggressive” and bullying, and they estimate roughly half the congregation left the church as a result of the scandal. When confronted by the FBI, Hall attempted to downplay his actions, claiming the loan was intended as a personal loan meant for 1099 contractors.
The Department of Justice says more than 3,000 individuals and entities have been charged nationwide in COVID-19 fraud cases since 2020, with offenders typically receiving prison sentences ranging from one to five years.