Pastor Accused in Theft From Parishioner
A Hollywood pastor has been charged with stealing thousands of dollars from a parishioner who lives in a home for the elderly.
Margaret E. Clark, also known as Peggy Owen Clark, is scheduled to be arraigned today in Los Angeles Superior Court. She is charged with one felony count of theft from an elder or dependent adult.
A pastor of Hollywood-Beverly Christian Church, Clark, 55, is accused of obtaining a power of attorney to gain control of assets belonging to Molly Ruth Hollipeter, who is in her mid-80s, authorities said.
They would not specify the exact amount of money involved but said it exceeded $50,000.
Clark made out numerous checks to herself and to her church, detectives in the North Hollywood Division said.
The investigation of Clark began in January 2003 after police were alerted by Los Angeles County Adult Protective Services.
Clark’s attorney, S. Roger Rombro, declined to comment Monday.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
