A Statesboro man has been arrested by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and charged with taking funds from a Metter house of worship.
The Metter Police Department requested the state’s assistance on Friday, April 29, involving a financial theft from Restoration Worship Center in Metter. The GBI’s investigation revealed that Jeffery Lamar Lanier, acting in his official capacity as Chief Financial Officer of the church and having access to its accounts and credit cards, stole more than $90,000 for his personal use over a two-year period of time.
Lanier was booked into the Candler County jail on Wednesday, May 11, and released on bond. He is charged with computer theft, trespass, invasion of privacy, forgery, password disclosure, financial transaction card fraud, and theft by conversion.
The case has been turned over to Middle Judicial Circuit District Attorney Tripp Fitzner’s Office for prosecution.
The investigation is ongoing by the Statesboro office of the GBI. Tips can be placed to 912-871-1121, through the toll-free tip line at 1-800-597-8477, or by email to Special Agent in Charge Chris DeMarco at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..