Moore Church Business Manager Accused of Stealing Thousands

By Gan Matthews, NEWS 9

MOORE, Oklahoma -- The former business manager of the First United Methodist Church in Moore is accused of embezzling thousands of dollars from church funds.

Sonya Jo Ensey, 39, was the business manager for five years. That changed after she went on vacation in April.

"While she was gone, one of the banks notified them that they had an account overdrawn, so they kind of started looking into that. Found that they were missing several thousands of dollars. It turned out to be larger than that," said Moore Police Officer Jeremy Lewis.

According to the charges against her, Ensey embezzled over $140,000 from the church and used it to pay her personal expenses.

The church is bonded up to $100,000 and the senior pastor said all bills are paid.

Reverend Tish Malloy also said the feeling of the 1,400 member congregation and the staff toward Ensey is one of sadness and disappointment.

"We have prayed for her, and we continue to do that. Even just a few hours ago in our staff meeting, we took time away to share our hopes that she will receive the help that she needs," the Methodist Reverend said.

Ensey's attorney said the dollar figures in the charges are greatly inflated, and he wonders how, since the church was audited every year, Ensey could possibly do what she's accused of having done.

A judge released Ensey without having to post a cash bond. Her next court date is August 18.