Louisville: Pastor Virgil Mozee has been charged with credit card theft after admitting to defrauding elderly victims “thousands of times,” according to Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD). Authorities say the pastor, along with an accomplice, targeted women in their 70s and 80s while shopping at local grocery stores.

Louisville: Mozee and Nathaniel Porter III were captured on surveillance cameras allegedly stealing wallets from shopping carts. Police said the duo would casually stroll through stores as if shopping, identify a victim, snatch her wallet, and leave without making any purchases, demonstrating premeditation and careful planning.

Louisville: The suspects reportedly used the stolen wallets to make purchases, often in stores such as Walgreens. To avoid detection, Mozee and Porter would change clothes and attempt to appear unconnected, a tactic investigators identified through security footage. Their methodical approach allowed them to commit repeated thefts over many years.

Louisville: Sergeant Joe Keeling of LMPD emphasized that the men targeted vulnerable elderly women, exploiting their trust and comfort in public spaces. “They were obviously preying on elderly females that were shopping,” Keeling said, noting that the crimes reflect both audacity and cruelty.

Louisville: Mozee is the pastor at The New Christian Church of Jesus Christ in Hazelwood. His position as a spiritual leader shocked the local community, which struggled to reconcile his ministry work with the criminal activity described by authorities. Attempts to contact the church for comment went unanswered.

Louisville: Police records indicate that Mozee’s criminal activity extends back to 2009 across multiple counties, with similar charges in 2015 in Jefferson County resulting in a five-year probation. According to investigators, Mozee openly admitted to committing these thefts thousands of times, highlighting the scope of his criminal conduct.

Louisville: Mozee and Porter face multiple charges, including theft by unlawful taking, fraudulent use of credit cards, engaging in organized crime, and trafficking in financial information. Police believe the number of victims is likely higher than the three reported cases and are actively seeking additional reports from the public.

Louisville: Authorities encourage anyone who suspects they may have been victimized to contact the LMPD Third Division tip line. Investigators noted that many victims do not file reports because banks often reimburse fraudulent charges, allowing criminals like Mozee and Porter to operate without accountability for extended periods.

Louisville: Community safety experts are urging residents to be vigilant, particularly when assisting older adults in public spaces. Keeling stressed the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals, offering guidance such as keeping purses closed and being attentive to suspicious behavior in stores.

Louisville: This case underscores the dangers of targeted fraud and the potential for abuse of trust, even by individuals in positions of respect and authority. The ongoing investigation aims to hold Mozee and Porter accountable and prevent further exploitation of the elderly community, while raising awareness about public safety and vigilance.