CCSO says man targeted church in multi-state scam spree

CUMBERLAND COUNTY (WTVD) -- The Cumberland County Sheriff's Office is looking for a man they say scammed a church out of thousands of dollars.

According to authorities, Jonathan Yost approached the pastors at Redeemed Christian Church of God on Cumberland Road, claiming to be an audio/visual technician.

Detectives said Yost, who agreed to provide equipment and a church van for the congregation, was paid nearly $10,000 for the work but never provided the items or completed the work.

When fraud detectives ran Yost's background they found similar cases in at least five other states, some involving young women.

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In those cases, Yost claimed to be a modeling agent, promising the women photo shoots and exposure; however, he just took off with their money.

Detectives said Yost's crime scheme even reaches as far as real estate.

During the investigation into the church crimes, another victim came forward claiming the suspect agreed to rent him a home.

He said Yost took his deposit but never handed over the keys. That family spoke exclusively to ABC11 but asked not to be identified.

"We talked about God and stuff, and I took him as another brother from God from heaven," the family explained. "I'm a true believer in God. And I know... (I) didn't think anything of it."

Detectives believe Yost is still in the area. They believe he's driving a brand new red Ford 150 pickup.

If you see it, you're asked to call the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office at (910)-323-1500 or Crimestoppers at (910) 483-8477.