LAKE MARY, Fla. — Dana Sharp is a Lake Mary pastor who prosecutors have accused of bilking the federal government out of benefits she wasn't entitled to.
The website for her church, Spirit of Truth Worship Ministries, says Dana Sharp is a pastor who lives as a "prosperous woman of excellence, honor, virtue ... and integrity."
When Channel 9's Jeff Deal stopped by Sharp's church her husband, Rico Sharp, told Deal that he was unaware that is wife is facing federal charges.
"She's my wife, but I don't know what you are talking about. I think there's a misunderstanding," Rico Sharp said.
Later he told Deal that he was aware of the charges against his wife and that it was all a mistake, she wasn't trying to do anything wrong.
Prosecutors accuse Dana Sharp of stealing federal money over several years in the form of Supplemental Security Income from the Social Security Administration.
According to court records, in an application for benefits for two of children, she declared her husband was a self-employed pastor making $1,000 a month.
But investigators said they learned that as officers of the church, Dana and Rico Sharp were writing and cashing checks to themselves. Investigators said the Sharps failed to declare that money. They said in all, Dana Sharp received more than $108,000 in benefits that did not belong to her.
Deal learned that Dana Sharp has agreed to plead guilty to charges against her and will be required to pay back all of the money. Prosecutors said they will recommend five years of probation. The crime carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.
WFTV
