A former employee of Faith Journey Lutheran Church is accused of stealing more than half a million dollars from the North Dakota congregation.

Carly Anne Tufte, the church’s former business manager, is suspected of taking about $640,000 between April 2019 and December 13, 2024. Authorities say she resigned after a new pastor told her he planned to review the church’s accounts.

In January, a federal grand jury indicted Tufte on five counts of bank fraud and one count of access device fraud. Her trial is scheduled to begin April 14, 2026.

Investigators allege that shortly after her promotion, Tufte opened a credit card account with First National Bank of Omaha in both her name and the church’s name and had the card mailed to her home.

According to the nine-page federal indictment, Tufte used the card to pay for vacations and clothing and used a church bank account to pay down her personal credit card debt.

Prosecutors allege she falsified journal entries to inflate church expenses and refused to provide bank statements to the church treasurer.

“Upon discovering unauthorized financial activity, Church leadership immediately took action, including notifying appropriate authorities and initiating a full review of church finances,” the church said in a statement.

“Church leadership recognizes the seriousness of this situation and the trust that was violated.”

“We are deeply saddened and disappointed by this breach of trust,” Pastor Sue Koesterman added. “Our congregation and community deserve transparency, integrity, and accountability, and we are committed to upholding those values.”