BENTON COUNTY, ARKANSAS, Ark. — A former Rogers City Council candidate has pleaded guilty to stealing around $71,000 from a church's cemetery fund, according to Prosecuting Attorney Josh Robinson.
Billy Lee Weaver III, who also goes by Trey, originally faced charges of theft of property and fraudulent use of a credit card. Ahead of his jury trial on Aug. 20, Weaver pleaded guilty to two counts of felony criminal simulation, which is a Class D felony.
After pleading guilty and foregoing his trial, Weaver was ordered to serve eight years of probation with the possibility of expungement if successfully completed. He is also required to pay $71,000 in victim restitution within the next seven days.
According to a probable cause affidavit, the Rogers Police Department (RPD) received a report on Aug. 25, 2023, that Weaver stole $71,000 from the Mt. Hebron Historical Church and Cemetery Fund.
Weaver had access to one of the church's debit cards. Those who reported Weaver said he used the church's account "as his own personal checking account until it was all but empty," the affidavit said.
A detective with RPD reportedly reviewed the account's transactions and followed up with businesses referenced in the bank statement, such as Print Place and Plaza Tire Service.
After following up with Print Place, detectives discovered the card was used for "campaign door hangers." Some of the hangers reportedly included slogans, such as "Elect Trey Weaver for City Council." Court documents say both transactions using the church's card were billed to Weaver and listed his home address.
Plaza Tire Service provided an invoice to detectives, which was billed to Weaver and allegedly listed one of the Weaver family vehicles. Additionally, court documents say the invoice contained Weaver's signature and listed the debit card tied to the Mt. Hebron bank account.
"Other transactions show a pattern of activity which appears to correspond with life events shown on Weaver's Facebook page, such as a trip to Branson for a dance competition and with Weaver's efforts to campaign for Rogers City Council in 2022," the affidavit said.
Upon request, Weaver came by the police department where he reportedly told detectives he "misused" around $70,000 from Mt. Hebron but planned to pay back the funds with several "large transactions" he had lined up.
Although these transactions fell through, Weaver said he was willing to pay all the money back by selling his house.
Detectives asked Weaver about the bylaws of the Mt. Hebron Historical Church and Cemetery organization. Court documents say Weaver willingly provided documents and the debit card to detectives. Upon reviewing the bylaws, detectives said it stated that no members shall be compensated for their services to the corporation.
Weaver was arrested on Sept. 18, 2023.
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