Former Columbus County pastor charged with embezzling nearly $58,000 from church
COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A former Columbus County pastor is facing 16 felony embezzlement charges after authorities accused him of taking nearly $58,000 from the church where he previously served.
Devin Cyrus Carroll, 23, of Conway, South Carolina, was arrested Aug. 26 and booked into the Columbus County Detention Center, according to jail records and court documents.
Carroll is accused of embezzling a total of $57,934.13 from Happy Home Baptist Church in Nakina, according to the arrest warrants. The alleged offenses occurred in February 2024.
The warrants allege that Carroll used church money for a variety of personal expenses.
More than $42,900 was allegedly used to make payments on outstanding loans through Advance America. Individual alleged transactions included payments ranging from $7,657.85 to $134.27.
The warrants also accuse Carroll of using church funds for other personal expenses, including:
- Restaurant purchases through DoorDash
- A personal cellphone bill
- Payments to a personal attorney
- Horseback riding
- A trip to Myrtle Waves
- A veterinary visit for his personal dog
- Retail purchases in North Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia
- Guitar-related purchases and other miscellaneous items
Carroll was ordered to be held on a $75,000 secured bond following his arrest, according to court records.
Former pastor
Carroll previously served as pastor of Happy Home Baptist Church. WWAY reported in July 2025 that he had held the position since May 2024. Local reporting indicates he remained pastor until July 2025.
The embezzlement allegations involve transactions that the warrants say occurred in February 2024, during the period Carroll was serving as a church employee.
Separate South Carolina case
Carroll is also facing a separate criminal case in South Carolina.
In July 2025, Carroll was arrested by Conway Police and charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor. WWAY reported at the time that the alleged victim was under 16 years old.
