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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteFormer Vernon African Methodist Episcopal Church senior pastor Keith Rydell Mayes Sr. pleaded guilty to federal bank fraud and tax evasion on September 14, 2026. The U.S. Department of Justice says he embezzled more than $504,000 from the Tulsa church and agreed to repay $504,313.88, including $205,765.60 to the IRS. Vernon AME is historically significant because its basement survived the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre; the church above it was destroyed and rebuilt.
What Mayes admitted and what prosecutors say happened
According to the Department of Justice’s account of court documents, Mayes became Vernon AME’s senior pastor in October 2021 and handled church finances, including donations, collections and disbursements. He pleaded guilty to federal bank fraud and tax evasion.
Prosecutors say Mayes opened a bank account titled “Administrative Expenses,” listed his personal residence as its mailing address and was its only authorized signer. Voluntary donations, including donations from church members and charitable organizations, went into that account.
The stock donation
The DOJ says a donor who was also a financial advisor contacted Mayes about donating stock to the church. Mayes opened a brokerage account in the church’s name to receive it. Court documents, as summarized by the DOJ, show that the donor transferred $365,000 in stock during 2021 and 2022. Mayes sold the shares, deposited the proceeds into the church bank account and embezzled most of the proceeds for personal use.
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The alleged use of funds and tax debt
The DOJ says Mayes embezzled more than $504,000 from at least March 2022 through at least November 2025. It says he used the money for gambling, personal expenses and firearms, did not report the income to the IRS and owed more than $205,000 in unpaid taxes.
What the repayment figures mean
The figures refer to related but distinct obligations. The plea agreement provides for $504,313.88 in repayment for embezzlement activities, including $205,765.60 to the IRS. The larger figure is not an additional amount to add to the IRS payment: the DOJ describes the IRS amount as included in the agreed repayment. The agreement also provides for forfeiture of firearms and ammunition bought with fraudulent funds.
| Figure | What it describes |
|---|---|
| More than $504,000 | Amount the DOJ says Mayes embezzled from at least March 2022 through at least November 2025. |
| $504,313.88 | Repayment for embezzlement activities specified in the plea agreement, according to the DOJ. |
| $205,765.60 | Amount designated for the IRS within the agreed repayment, according to the DOJ. |
| $365,000 | Stock transferred by the donor during 2021 and 2022, according to the DOJ’s account of court documents. |
Vernon AME’s connection to the Tulsa Race Massacre
Vernon AME was founded in 1905. The National Fund for Sacred Places’ profile describes the church basement as part of the original building and a refuge during and after the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The superstructure above it was destroyed. The congregation rebuilt above the surviving basement, completing its present sanctuary in 1925, according to the National Fund and Vernon AME’s history.
That distinction matters: the church’s basement survived, but the original church above it did not. The National Fund describes Vernon as a continuing community institution and notes preservation work focused on the basement.
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What church leadership said
The Black Wall Street Times reported that Bishop Silvester Scott Beaman of the AME 12th Episcopal District said: “The actions described in the federal case were not authorized by the congregation or the leadership of Vernon A.M.E. Church.” The report says the district stated that Mayes established and controlled the relevant accounts and financial activity without governing leadership’s knowledge or authorization.
The same report said Mayes had not served as pastor since May, and that Vernon AME was operating under new pastoral leadership and had reviewed its financial practices. This is the district’s reported response; the DOJ’s announcement describes the criminal case but does not address church governance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Has Mayes been sentenced?
Not according to the DOJ announcement dated September 14, 2026. It said a federal district court judge would schedule sentencing later. After the court appearance, Mayes was released on bond under supervision by U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services. The announcement identifies the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation as investigators and Assistant U.S. Attorney David D. Whipple as prosecutor. No later sentencing date or outcome is established in the sources cited here.
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