Lucedale woman arrested for allegedly embezzling $80,000 from local church

Written on 08/11/2026

Griffin Ray

A Lucedale woman is behind bars after allegedly embezzling $80,000 from a local church.

According to the George County Sheriff’s Office, the leadership team of a church in the county reported a possible theft of funds to the sheriff’s office. After an investigation, Loretta Fenton, 56, was identified as a suspect.

Investigators determined that Fenton had allegedly embezzled around $80,000 in church funds over several years. It is unclear what her role was with the church, but it reportedly gave her access to funds without suspicion.

An arrest warrant was issued for Fenton. The sheriff’s officer later determined that Fenton was residing in Mobile, Ala., where they worked with the Mobile Police Department and the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office to locate and apprehend her without issue.

“The misappropriation of funds entrusted to an individual, particularly within a place of worship, is a serious breach of trust,” Sheriff Mitchell Mixon said in a statement. “We remain committed to thoroughly investigating these matters and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. I would also like to thank our law enforcement partners in Mobile for their assistance in safely bringing this individual into custody.”

Fenton was transported back to Mississippi and appeared before a George County Justice Court Judge, where she was granted a $75,000 bond. She is currently being held at a George County Jail as the investigation continues.