December 18, 2025 In my 30 years on the crime beat, I’ve seen some cold-blooded betrayals, but few hit as hard as a man of the cloth raiding the collection plate—and the day care fund—to buy himself designer clothes and jewelry.

Paul Mitchell, the 60-year-old lead pastor of Changing Lives Christian Center in East New York, stood in a federal courtroom this week and admitted to a years-long scheme that transformed his ministry into a personal slush fund. Mitchell, who also served as the president of a Brooklyn day care, pleaded guilty to massive tax evasion after siphonning millions to support a lifestyle his parishioners could only dream of.

A "Personal Piggy Bank" Fueled by Deceit

According to U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr., Mitchell didn't just skim off the top—he treated the church and day care accounts like a "personal piggy bank."

From 2015 to 2022, prosecutors say Mitchell used organization credit cards to bankroll a shopping spree that would make a socialite blush. On the menu?

• High-end designer clothing

• Expensive jewelry

• Luxury accessories

• Life insurance premiums

When he wasn’t swiping the plastic, Mitchell was busy writing checks from the church’s bank accounts to pay off his personal credit card bills. He also made frequent, large-scale cash withdrawals, funneling the money directly into his own pockets.

The $3 Million Tax Dodge

While Mitchell was living large in West Hempstead, Long Island, he was playing a dangerous game with the taxman. By failing to report the stolen funds as income, he effectively "ghosted" the IRS and New York State.

The numbers are staggering. Officials say Mitchell’s greed caused a total tax loss of over $3.2 million:

• $2,906,072 owed to the IRS

• $316,699 owed to New York State

“The defendant... betrayed the trust of his congregation and those dependent on the services provided to the community,” Nocella stated.

IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Harry T. Chavis, Jr. echoed the sentiment, noting that Mitchell was trusted to use donations for good, but instead chose to "fatten his wallet."

The Verdict: Is 5 Years Enough?

For a theft totaling millions of dollars and a betrayal of thousands of faithful followers, the legal consequences might surprise you. Mitchell currently faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. He will also be on the hook for full restitution and additional monetary penalties.

The fall of Changing Lives Christian Center’s leader serves as a grim reminder that even the most trusted figures can have the darkest secrets. For the families in East New York who relied on that day care and the parishioners who gave their hard-earned money to the church, the healing process is only just beginning.

What’s Next for Mitchell?

As we wait for the formal sentencing date, one question remains: Where did all the money go, and can the community ever recover what was stolen? We will keep you updated as the court finalizes the restitution plan.

How do you feel about the 5-year maximum sentence for a $3 million theft? Tell us in the comments below.