Former pastor, wife accused of gambling away thousands in church funds

Charles, Adriane Gilford charged with theft

HOUSTON – A former pastor and his wife have been accused of gambling away thousands of dollars from their own church.

From December 2004 to July 2007, police said Charles Gilford and his wife Adriane stole about $430,000 from the Bethel Baptist Church in southwest Houston.

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Charles and his wife were pastors of the church at the time.

Officials said the couple used the stolen money to gamble at a casino in Louisiana.

The couple arrested and taken to the Harris County jail on $800,000 bond. Both have been charged with theft and misapplication of fiduciary property.