Top Cop in Newport busted stealing more than $10,000 from local church

(Stephen Andrew Higginbotham, Image credit: Newport Police Department)

One of the top cops from the Newport Police Department in Greene County, Tennessee, was charged this week with stealing more than $10K from the O & S Chapel United Methodist Church in Greeneville. According to the indictment filed on Monday, Captain Stephen Andrew Higginbotham, 38, of North Nelson Street, was charged with the “theft of property valued over $10,000 but less than $60,000,” according to The Greeneville Sun.

According to the indictment, Higginbotham committed the offense by “knowingly exercising control over money” belonging to the church, and took that money “with intent to deprive the owner.”

Higginbotham is a veteran Newport police officer and patrol captain. Police Chief Maurice Shults said Thursday morning that Higginbotham was placed on administrative leave [suspended] on June 30 after he became aware of the Greene County investigation, and would consult with city administrators regarding Higginbotham’s future status with the police department.  ~ Greeneville Sun

The charge levied against the Captain is a class C felony, according to WVLT.  Court papers state that Higginbotham absconded with the church’s money between August 2020 and June 24, 2021.  The theft reportedly took place between August 2020 and June 24, 2021, reports stated.

Following his arrest, Higginbotham was freed on bond.  He is scheduled for arraignment in Greene County Criminal Court on September 10.

Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today   /   Follow Richard on Facebook and Twitter