Local priest charged with theft for refusing to complete construction project

LAKE CHARLES, Louisiana (KPLC) – A local pastor is accused of theft after refusing to complete a project for a client.

Derek D. Bellard of Stay the Course of Louisiana Full Gospel Ministries was arrested July 8 and charged with theft over $25,000, according to the Calcasieu Parish District Attorney’s Office. He was released the next day on $15,000 bail.

The prosecutor said the charges stem from a complaint filed in March by a victim who said Bellard had agreed to repair the damage to her home in 2023.

“The investigation revealed that the victim paid Bellard over $100,000 for labor and materials,” said Bethany Bryant, communications director for the District Attorney’s Office. “The victim advised that Bellard had stopped work on her home, and when she questioned Bellard, he stated that his company had gone bankrupt and therefore he could not do any more work on her home.”

In May, an arrest warrant was issued for Bellard.

Bryant said the investigation was complete and the case was in the hands of prosecutors.

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