Bartlett Church Secretary Charged with Felony Theft of Funds

A Holland woman faces felony theft charges after allegedly stealing over $30,000 from a Bartlett church.

The Bell County District Attorney alleges 47-year-old Sherry Janke Kell used money belonging to St. John Lutheran Church to pay bills and cover other personal expenses while working as the church's secretary.

According to a release issued by the Bell County Sheriff's department, the church reported on February 15 that a large amount of money was missing. The church conducted an audit and determined that money had been funneled through payroll and used inappropriately.

The sheriff's department said an investigation pointed to Kell as the prime suspect, and the case was brought before the DA on February 23. A third degree felony arrest warrant on a charge of theft over $30,000 was issued Tuesday.

Kell was arrested at her home in Holland Wednesday without incident, and her bond was set at $25,000.