Former megachurch youth pastor is now on the FBI’s most wanted list

Apr 27, 2023

Former megachurch youth pastor is now on the FBI’s most wanted list

Apr 27, 2023

Christopher Burns, a former youth pastor at Perimeter Church in Georgia turned financial advisor, is now on the FBI’s Most Wanted list for allegedly defrauding dozens of investors of millions of dollars, which he splurged on a lavish lifestyle and an obsession with Disney World.

According to the Christian Post, Burns, who was last seen by his ex-wife and children on Sept. 24, 2020, went on the run one day before he was scheduled to relinquish documents related to his businesses to the Securities and Exchange Commission, according to a recent release from the Department of Justice.

“Burns is charged for allegedly stealing millions of dollars from clients in an illegal investment fraud scheme,” Keri Farley, special agent in charge of FBI Atlanta, said in a statement. “Financial crimes of this nature can cause significant disruptions to the lives of those who are victimized, and the FBI is dedicated to holding these criminals accountable.”


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The FBI is seeking the public’s help to locate Burns. Farley vowed the agency will “continue to pursue him no matter how long he tries to evade the law.”

James E. Dorsey, special agent in charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation at its Atlanta Field Office, said Ponzi schemes like the one Burns carried out cause “emotional and financial damage” to their victims.

“IRS Criminal Investigation and our federal law enforcement partners are committed to removing unscrupulous financial advisors from our financial system and ensuring they are brought to justice,” Dorsey said.

Darin Jameson, a spokesperson for Perimeter Church in Johns Creek, Georgia, confirmed with The Christian Post that Burns worked as a junior high ministry leader from December 2007 to August 2011.

She also confirmed that the former youth leader’s father had worked at the church several years prior to his employment. She could not provide any additional comment.

A federal grand jury charged Burns, 40, whose last known address is in Berkeley Lake, Georgia, with 10 counts of wire fraud, two counts of mail fraud and four counts of money laundering on April 11. He was also previously charged in another complaint on Oct. 23, 2020, with one count of mail fraud, authorities said.

In the latest case against him, Burns is alleged to have defrauded his victims of at least $10 million by falsely claiming to investors that he could pool their money to invest in low-risk businesses and charities, which were secured by collateral and personal guarantees.

About the Author

End Time Headlines is a ministry founded, owned, and operated by Ricky Scaparo, established in 2010 to equip believers and inform discerning individuals about the “Signs and Seasons” of the times in which we live. Ricky authors original articles and curates news from mainstream sources, carefully selecting topics, verifying information, and utilizing artificial intelligence tools to ensure content is both timely and accurate. Every piece is personally reviewed and edited by Ricky to align with the ministry’s mission of providing a prophetic perspective on current events.

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