Bishop pleads guilty to defrauding Oakland AME Zion church of 2 million

Staccato Powell, former bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, pleaded guilty to wire fraud, mail fraud, and conspiracy, admitting to defrauding congregations across California out of $14 million. Over a four-year span, he and associate Sheila Quintana misled church leaders into transferring property deeds to a company they controlled, which then secured high-interest loans using those properties as collateral. Federal prosecutors revealed that Powell and Quintana enriched themselves through these fraudulent activities, misleading pastors about the necessity and details of the loans. By 2019, some congregations began receiving foreclosure notices, prompting investigations into the fraudulent loans. Powell allegedly used part of the money to pay his North Carolina mortgage, while Quintana issued checks to her husband.

The General Conference of the AME Zion Church stripped Powell of his bishop status in 2021, leading to his indictment in January 2022. Powell faces a sentencing hearing on September 23 and could receive up to 20 years in prison for his crimes. The case highlights significant issues of trust and accountability within religious organizations.