Residents shocked by pastor's arrest

Thursday, August 29, 2007
By RUDY KOSKI

KSUX News

BRADDOCK, TX: A local church pastor has been arrested and charged, accused of embezzeling several hundred dollars from his church. Orange sodas, cheap, flashy clothing, hats and jewelry and menthol cigarettes were bought, according to investigators, with money from Mt. Holy Olive People's Temple. When accountants say they found out money was missing, they called the Sheriff. "Obviously they are very unhappy; there is a sense of betrayal that we are picking up on," said Braddock Sheriff's Department spokesperson Eric Poteet.

Rev. Dr. Curtis Eldorado Lowe, 74, was jailed Wednesday. Investigators say Lowe's shopping list was not limited to soda and cigarettes and clothing. According to the arrest warrant, he is accused of using church money to pay for malt liquor and to rent escorts. It's believed Lowe embezzled around 1,592 dollars, but Poteet says the amount could grow.' Where the ceiling is, regarding missing money, that's yet to be determined," said Poteet.

The arrest of a church pastor is a shock and disappointment for those who live and work in that part of Braddock. "If he is stealing God's money, God will take care of him," said Laphonso Currie. "The important thing is that we forgive, and that he face the consequences of his actions," said Shaneequa Cheek.

Bond for Lowe was set Thursday by Judge William J. Jennings at $15. His attorney, Ricardo Kwame Brown wants the court to lower the bond amount. Jennings said that if convicted the Reverend could be sent to the Braddock County Prison Farm for the weekend.

UPDATE:

The Rev. Dr. Curtis Lowe was found innocent of all charges in his embezzlement trial by Judge Jennings today. Parishoners Eugene Washington, Shitifa Moore and six of her children and Antonio Davis demonstrated that Lowe purchased the items in question with church money to distribute to several underprivileged children (Moore's). Jennings said that rather than punish Lowe, the community owes him a great deal of gratitude and monetary restitution and ordered Braddock County Sheriff's Department to pay Lowe $10,000 for wrongful arrest and violation of his civil rights and accused the Department of "falling under the spell of the rampant racism that descends from the highest offices in Braddock government." Jennings also bestowed the honorary title of Bishop upon Lowe. Sheriff Fenton Washburn called the Judge's ruling and statement "ludicrous" and added that the department will appeal his decision. Members of Lowe's congregation were ecstatic over the decision and most expressed disbelief that Lowe was accused of such a crime. "It just be another damn conspiracy by da man," said Alfredo Knight. Alayna Cheek added "Whitey always bustin' on our asses. Dey don't want black people be sussessful so dey kick us out dey liberrys and stuff-dey don't know we got strong black men like Dr. Lowe who provide our asses wit' compooters at de chuch-we don't need dey shit. Praise Jesus, Lawd!" Lowe could not be reached for comment. When KSUX called his home the telephone was answered by what sounded like a monkey.