Former Sumner Pastor Sentenced 12 Years Misusing Charity Funds

James Neil Gill, an 83-year-old former pastor and executive director of the Sumner County Food Bank (SCFB), was sentenced to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to theft of property over $60,000 and patronizing prostitution. Investigations revealed that Gill misappropriated over $300,000 in charitable funds between 2020 and 2022, including issuing checks to himself, redirecting food bank resources for personal use, and paying a volunteer for sexual services. He also used funds to purchase a personal vehicle and made home improvements with the nonprofit's money. The SCFB, a volunteer-run nonprofit established in 2009, was closed by Gill in 2022 citing health issues, after which another church formed a new food bank to continue services. Authorities recovered more than $300,000 through judicial forfeiture to restore resources to the community. Gill's co-defendants also pleaded to related charges and were ordered to repay restitution.