Church Pastor Who Competed On ‘American Idol’ and ‘The Voice’ Accused of Identity Theft

A church pastor who had been a contestant on “American Idol” and “The Voice” was arrested and charged with identity theft and theft of merchandise, according to arrest records and local news reports. 

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office said Steven Flockhart, 39, was booked into jail on Thursday and released on Friday after he made a $2,000 bond. 

Flockhart, according to an affidavit obtained by local NBC affiliate WMC-TV, had agreed to open a joint credit card with a church member in Memphis, Tennessee, three years ago. The credit card was supposed to be used for church expenses. 

The victim said Flockhart called him up and asked for his personal information to open the account. When he checked his credit score, he noticed a significant drop and a $6,500 unpaid bill on an open credit card in his name. 

The victim said in court documents reviewed by WMC-TV that he confronted Flockhart, who allegedly admitted to opening the account in the victim’s name.

901 Church, where Flockhart has been the lead pastor since 2012, said in a statement posted to Facebook on Friday that it’s aware of the allegations against him. 

“While we do not find the allegations factual, we believe that vindication from God and stand firm in his sovereignty and truth,” the statement says. “Please pray for our pastor and his family, for the hearts of those who seek to attack him and the church, and our community.”

Flockhart, according to records from the sheriff’s office, is expected to appear in court again on Monday morning.