Woman arrested for unauthorized solicitation of money for Poplar Bluff church

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- A Poplar Bluff woman was arrested Wednesday for allegedly soliciting donations in the name of Central Missionary Baptist Church without authorization.

The Daily American Republic newspaper reported Stephanie Yvonne Jackson is accused of going to Hopper's Auto Service this week and asking for a monetary donation for the church, according to Poplar Bluff Police Detective Bryce Colvin.

Colvin said the church's pastor, the Rev. Keith Frye, subsequently went into the business and Larry Hopper told him he had given money to Frye's church.

"After it was brought to his attention, he called us," Colvin said. The church, he said, currently is not running any fundraisers and Jackson is not authorized to solicit funds on its behalf.

Over the past several years, Lt. David Sutton said, the department has received a number of complaints from businesses, individuals and church officials about Jackson and another woman "soliciting donations under the name of the church when they weren't authorized to do so, and the church did not receive the proceeds."

The businesses and individuals giving the money "legitimately thought" they were donating to the church, Sutton said.

"When they contacted enough people word would get back to the church," Sutton said.

After receiving the complaints, Sutton said, officers would "talk to (the women), cite them or arrest them. It would stop for a little bit and start up again."

This time, Sutton said, Jackson is the only one believed to be involved.

Hopper's, according to Colvin, may not be the only victim of Jackson's alleged actions. "That's all we know about as of right now," he said.

Jackson, 39, of the 300 block of West Neat Street was arrested at about 9:25 a.m. Wednesday at her residence on suspicion of stealing and booked at the Butler County jail.

"We believe there may be other victims of this and encourage the public and/or businesses to contact us regarding any donations that may have been given to Stephanie Jackson or her associates," said Chief Danny Whiteley.

According to City Clerk Pam Kearbey, any organization wishing to solicit funds has to come to City Hall to fill out a permit, so "we know the funds are going somewhere for a legitimate cause."

On the permit, it says the solicitors must wear orange vests while collecting funds, Kearbey said. "If they don't have the vest, they shouldn't be collecting funds," she said.

Anyone concerned about the validity of someone soliciting money may call City Hall at 573-785-7474 or the Poplar Bluff Police Department at 573-785-5776.