Minister pleads in embezzlement case

BRUNSWICK, Ga. (AP) — A minister accused of embezzling more than $200,000 from a church where he served for 16 years has pleaded guilty to a single count of mail fraud.

The Savannah Morning News reports 47-year-old Rev. Corey MeGill Brown pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court in Brunswick.

Brown told U.S. District Court Chief Judge Lisa Godbey Wood he was pleading guilty because he was, in fact, guilty.

The plea involved a $540 check made payable to Second African Baptist Church from a member for her June tithe. As part of Brown's plea, Assistant U.S. Attorney Charlie Bourne said the government would dismiss the remaining charges in the 64-count indictment. Brown also would be held accountable for restitution to the victims.

Wood allowed Brown to remain free on $20,000 bond pending sentencing.