Former Chino church official arrested on embezzlement charges; $720,000 to $960,000 reported stolen
By Neil Nisperos Staff Writer
CHINO -- The arrest of an Ontario man accused of embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from church coffers has shocked and angered the Calvary Chapel Chino Hills community.
Police in late December arrested Farrukh Ahmed, 47, at his Doral Avenue home on suspicion of felony burglary and embezzlement charges.
The FBI, which is investigating the theft, reported that between $720,000 and $960,000 was stolen over four years, Calvary Chapel pastor Jack Hibbs said.
"He was actually caught by one of our staff members with cash in hand," Hibbs said.
Hibbs announced the loss on Dec. 27 to the congregation.
"They were shocked and disheartened and they were very tearful," Hibbs said. "They felt very violated."
The Chino Police Department was initially contacted by Ahmed on April 17 about theft and embezzlement of church money, Chino spokeswoman Michelle Van Der Linden said. Ahmed had been a church administrator.
"At that time, there was no suspect information available, and the subsequent investigation did not yield any leads," Van Der Linden said.
Hibbs said evidence included tithe envelopes that were found to have been opened.
Hibbs on Dec. 8 notified the Police Department that Ahmed might have been responsible for the theft of church funds reported in April.
The subsequent investigation led to Ahmed's arrest.
Ahmed joined Calvary Chapel about 12 years ago and regularly attended services, Hibbs said.
Ahmed, who was born and raised in Pakistan, was a Muslim who emigrated to the United States in the 1980s. He converted to Christianity at Calvary Chapel where he became a church administrator four years ago, Hibbs said.
Ahmed had been a manager at retail stores in the area, Hibbs said. He is married and has children, Hibbs said.
"On the surface, he was very diligent and very conscientious, and he was the kind of man that would quickly gain your trust," Hibbs said. "He was hardworking and always on the ball."
Church member Mike Goody of Chino said fellow Calvary Chapel members are praying for justice.
"As a Christian, we pray we forgive him for what he did ... but ultimately we seek justice," Goody said.
The San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office has not filed charges against Ahmed. He is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 25, according to online court records.
The Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, which is in Chino has 7,000 adult members.
neil.nisperos@inlandnewspapers.com
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For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? For what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Mark 8:36-37)
The treacherous will be caught by their own greed" (Proverbs 11:6)
Better is the poor who walks in his integrity, than he who is crooked though he be rich"
(Proverbs 28:6)
“"Treasures"
Every day, according to one survey, Americans buy an average of 3,972,603 movie tickets; 1,683,835 songs and albums from online resources; 1,650,000 DVD rentals from Netflix; 978,030 bags of Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet popcorn; 568,764 Titleist golf balls; 443,650 large fries at Burger King; 160,968 bottles of Absolut Vodka; 7,500 Samsung LCD TVs; and 60 Ford Mustangs on eBay. It’s clear from this incomplete list that many consumers are spending money on things that have temporary stamped on them. Jesus, however, says that we should use our resources to acquire things that have eternity written all over them.
In Matthew 6, He identifies two types of treasures. The first are the ones accumulated on earth. These treasures are vulnerable to all kinds of decay and theft. They are the goods that we should not be going for. The alternative is treasures in heaven. Now Jesus was not saying we can buy our way into heaven. He was simply calling us to simplify our lives and leverage our time and resources for the sake of people in need (Matthew 19:21; 1 Timothy 6:17-19). When we, with pure motives (Matthew 6:1-4), give up our lives and resources for the marginalized, we’re “storing up” treasures in heaven.
How can we determine where our treasure is and where our hearts are? I believe the following questions can help us: What occupies my thoughts and daydreams? What do I fret about the most? Apart from my immediate family, who or what do I most dread losing? What criteria do I use to evaluate others? What would make me most unhappy to be without?
Let’s prayerfully consider the resources we’re using and pursuing, making sure that our stuff is being used to bless others and glorify God.
It makes one wonder if some of the money was sent abroad to help finance anti-western activities.
I agree with Lori Bayour's statement about riches. It is plain and very well stated.
We waste our life for things that the Bible states "will rust and fade". No sooner do we get the latest gadget or 'must-have-thing' and then a new version comes out and the joy leaves or we just plain loose interest, and move to the next thing.
Material stuff does not satisfy. Americans are materially blessed and have the most-admired-way-of-life in the world.(Believe me,I just returned from India, what I observed there is a total contrast to what we enjoy, the living conditions, architectural, structural environment, and material affluence offered and enjoyed in the US.)
Having said all this, we, however, as a society are the most unfulfilled, and unhappy people personally speaking. Always seeking for the next thrill,or purchase,or relationship?.
It is a delusion that never delivers- keeping us looking for what's next or for more and more.
I believe it's a plan masterminded to keep us from what is 'Real', what is 'True' and what ultimately gives real satisfaction and meaning to life. I was not the first to discover this, an old wise king stated this in his summary in the book of ecclesiates of all his life experiences and accomplishments in this world. King Solomon said "all is vanity under the sun" except for knowing and living in communion with God the Most High.
It is having the Knowledge of my Creator and having fellowship with Him. And secondly, it is looking after and caring for my fellow man. That is the key I believe to enjoying a satisfactory, enriched, full life in His Presence. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
thats a lot of money
maybe the church took it and blamed him
We tend to believe the first thing that hits our ear, there are 2 sides to every story. Maybe, maybe, maybe. Only the Lord knows what happened.
Not only the Lord knows what happened. Evidence speaks volumes. What would the second side to this story be? Just out of curiousity. I would love to hear Madoff's side of his story too. Ha. Thief plain and simple.
Regretfully, Ahmed is not the only wolf that wears sheeps clothing at Calvary Chapel Chino Hills. We may not see justice in our time on earth but God knows all. This is NOT the fault of the church, I know from first hand personal experience that the church screens staff very well.I know Pastor Jack Hibbs personally, and have found him only to be a good and faithful shepherd and steward.