BENTON, Ill. (WSIL) -- A former pastor from Hamilton County received a 21-month prison sentence for fraudulently acquiring COVID-19 relief funds meant for his church.

The US Department of Justice, United States Attorney's Office Southern District of Illinois, said Terry Hall, 58, of McLeansboro, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and making false statements. The attorney's office said he was ordered to repay $199,900 plus interest to the Small Business Administration and will serve two years of supervised release after imprisonment.

"The vast majority of pastors across southern Illinois answered the pandemic with selfless service," said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. "Terry Hall chose a different path: he requested federal relief on behalf of his congregation, then used nearly $200,000 for

See Full Page