Former Powellsville Church Secretary Accused of Running Off with Over $27K from First Baptist Missionary Church

The Saints are side-eyeing in the sanctuary after a trusted church secretary allegedly ran the collection plate like a hustle.

47-year-old Genia Canada, a former financial secretary at First Baptist Missionary Church in Powellsville, is facing serious accusations after authorities say she embezzled more than $27,000 from the church’s funds — all while smiling in the pews.

According to warrants from the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office, the alleged thefts happened between June and September 2020, with five shady withdrawals straight from the church account:

• June 3, 2020 (twice) – $6,835.50 and $6,805.50

• July 8, 2020 – $4,835.50

• September 12, 2020 – $2,105.45

Genia Canada

How She Got Caught:

The church noticed something wasn’t adding up and reported “suspicious financial activity” in 2023. When law enforcement asked for records, Ms. Canada reportedly didn’t comply — and that refusal only made things hotter.