Whitney Foster, 56, pastor of True Foundation nondenominational church in Dallas, has been sentenced to 35 years in prison after being convicted of stealing three churches worth more than $800,000.

Dallas County prosecutors announced that Foster was found guilty of theft of property involving three local churches.

Foster led a small congregation without a physical meeting place and was accused of fraudulently filing property deeds for three local churches. He listed a fake pastor or church officials on the deeds and named his own church as the grantee. The properties involved were the First Christian Church in Lancaster, Texas, Canada Drive Christian Church, and Church at Ninevah.

Prosecutors revealed that Foster’s congregation continued to meet at one of the stolen properties, while the third property remains in legal limbo. Dallas County criminal district attorney John Creuzot emphasized the severity of real estate theft, comparing its impact to stealing someone’s vehicle or other possessions. In addition to these crimes, Foster had previous convictions for identity theft and arson.

In 2021, a Dallas television station reported that the Lancaster church discovered it no longer owned its building, which had been transferred to another person for $10. Foster had claimed the building was vacant and justified the acquisition by stating it was meant for his church’s use.