VAN BUREN — Police in Van Buren have arrested a man on charges of embezzling $94,000 from a church and a school where he handled the organizations' finances.
Van Buren police said 39-year-old John Richard Hays is charged with felony theft.
Hays served as treasurer for Vista Free Will Baptist Church and as chief financial officer for Van Buren Christian Academy.
Police said the theft took place over four years and that Hays was fired after church officials found problems in bank statements.
It was unclear whether Hays has an attorney.