Brooklyn Pastor Pleads Guilty to Embezzling $3 Million from Church Daycare Fund
A Brooklyn pastor confessed in federal court Tuesday to stealing $3 million over the course of seven years from a daycare associated with his church, using the funds for luxury purchases including an engagement ring.
The Rev. Paul Mitchell, 60, led the Changing Lives Christian Center in East New York while embezzling millions intended for child supervision and personal development programs, according to federal prosecutors. Mitchell appeared in Brooklyn Federal Court on December 16, 2025, where he admitted to the charges.
“I made personal purchases with the entities’ resources,” Mitchell said in court. “I acted willfully.”
Prosecutors allege that from 2015 to 2022, Mitchell diverted church and daycare funds to cover a wide range of personal expenses, including clothing, jewelry, luxury items, and life insurance premiums. Among the earliest documented purchases was a $795 watch bought in 2015. In 2016, he used organizational funds to buy a smoky quartz and diamond men’s ring worth more than $1,000. Two years later, in 2018, he used the same funds to purchase a diamond engagement ring costing over $6,100.
Federal authorities say Mitchell used credit cards belonging to the church and daycare to pay for these items, and also issued checks from both organizations’ bank accounts to move money directly into his own personal accounts. He failed to report any of this income on his personal tax returns.
“The defendant treated his organizations’ accounts as his own personal piggy bank, stealing millions of dollars and betraying the trust of his congregation and those dependent on the services provided to the community,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella in a statement.
Officials also took aim at Mitchell’s failure to pay taxes on the money he stole. IRS-Criminal Investigation New York Special Agent in Charge Harry Chavis stated, “Paul Mitchell was trusted by his parishioners to use their donations for good, not to fatten his wallet. His deceit was at many levels, as he also evaded paying millions in tax revenue that benefits the good of all Americans.”
The 60-year-old pastor, who resides in West Hempstead, Long Island, was released on his own recognizance following the plea. As part of the release conditions, he must surrender his passport and firearms.
In addition to leading his Brooklyn congregation, Mitchell was also involved in high-profile public religious events. He was among the clergy counseling New York City Mayor Eric Adams in the wake of the mayor’s own federal corruption investigation. On September 8, 2024, Mitchell led a prayer vigil to support Adams and help uplift him during the legal turmoil.
Despite his active role in the public faith community, Mitchell now faces up to five years in prison. He will also be required to pay restitution and additional monetary penalties, according to prosecutors.
“Our office will always be vigilant in protecting houses of worship from criminality that threatens the important work they do,” Nocella said.
The Changing Lives Christian Center, based on Linden Boulevard in East New York, served as the base of operations for both Mitchell’s ministry and the church’s affiliated daycare programs. The funds Mitchell diverted were meant to support youth programming and community services.
Mitchell’s guilty plea marks the conclusion of a years-long investigation into misuse of church and daycare funds. Sentencing for Mitchell has not yet been scheduled.