Stroud preacher gets probation for stealing

CHANDLER, Okla. (AP) -- A Stroud preacher is avoiding jail time after embezzling about $10,000 from the Salvation Army.<br/><br/>Thomas Brooks senior was given a 5-year suspended sentence for diverting

Thursday, July 29th 2004, 5:43 am

By: News On 6

CHANDLER, Okla. (AP) -- A Stroud preacher is avoiding jail time after embezzling about $10,000 from the Salvation Army.

Thomas Brooks senior was given a 5-year suspended sentence for diverting the money into his truckers' ministry.

Authorities say the money was taken between August 2002 and February 2003, while Brooks was managing a Salvation Army thrift store in Stroud.

The money came from the store proceeds and donations that would have been used to help needy families with utility bills, food and clothing.