Loudon County, TN (WOKI / WVLT) – A former pastor in Loudon County has pleaded guilty after investigators say he stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from his church.
According to the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office, Nicholas Rains misappropriated at least $332,654.46 from Canvas Fellowship Church in Lenoir City between 2019 and 2023. The investigation, conducted with assistance from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, found Rains used church funds for a wide range of personal expenses.
Officials say he made more than $117,000 in personal credit card payments and withdrew nearly $85,000 in cash from ATMs. The report also states he used the money to purchase furniture and household items, pay for travel, cover groceries and restaurant costs, and handle personal bills and entertainment expenses.
Church leaders first raised concerns in April 2023. After reviewing financial records, the church terminated Rains’ employment.
Rains pleaded guilty to one count of theft of property over $60,000. According to the 9th Judicial District Attorney General’s Office, he has been sentenced to eight years, with 120 days to be served in the Loudon County Jail. The remainder of his sentence will be served on supervised probation.
He has also been ordered to pay $100,000 in restitution to the church, along with court costs and fines.
