Albany pastor, wife understated income by more than $100,000, records show

Albany -- The longtime pastor of a historic Albany church listed his and his wife's annual income at $5,000 to qualify for Medicaid benefits, but records indicate the couple controlled numerous bank accounts from multiple charity and nonprofit organizations — including their church — that paid them more than $150,000 a year, according to information compiled during a criminal investigation of their personal finances.

The Rev. Edward B. Smart and his wife, Marion, were arrested last week on felony charges accusing them of improperly receiving $12,350 in Medicaid benefits from the Albany County Department of Social Services between January 2015 and June 2016, when Albany County opened its investigation after receiving a complaint about the pastor's alleged misuse of funds.

The ensuing examination of the couple's personal finances, including a review of bank and real estate records, found they may have concealed or improperly paid themselves tens of thousands of dollars from charity organizations they controlled. They also received a $450 monthly reimbursement from their church for health insurance although they were receiving Medicaid benefits, according to the county's investigation.

In addition, records obtained by the Times Union indicate that Edward Smart held the checkbooks for his church, First Israel African Methodist Episcopal Church on Hamilton Street, as well as for multiple charity organizations he and his wife control. The pastor's personal use of the checking accounts, including writing checks to himself for thousands of dollars, was unusual. At many churches and charity organizations, treasurers normally control the finances and banking accounts, according to former board members who served on some of the charity organizations run by Smart.

Read more: http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Albany-pastor-wife-understated-income-by-more-10426369.php