A preacher at Calvary Baptist Church was arrested Thursday and charged with identity theft after allegedly preying upon his congregation.

According to Covington Police Detective D.J. Seals, Thomas Alan Thompson, 35, was charged with two counts of identity theft and one count of financial transaction card fraud after the former pastor of Calvary Baptist came to Seals with paperwork from credit card companies asking that he pay his bills – bills that he did not create, he reportedly told Seals.

The investigation into Thompson, who has been the pastor at the church, located off U.S. Highway 278, for about five years, began last week. According to Seals, there is a good possibility there are multiple victims in this case. Thus far, every victim Seals has located has been associated with the church in some way.

“Since speaking with the victims we have reason to suspect that there are more victims and more charges may be pending,” said Seals.

It is unclear how long Thompson has been involved in identity theft since coming to the church, but according to Seals, police have found no indication that Thompson was previously involved in this type of activity.

Thompson was arrested at the CPD and taken to the Newton County Detention Center where he was given a $6,000 bond. He was bonded out later that day.

“This was an individual act purported by Mr. Thompson and I have no reason to believe anyone else was involved in any criminal activity,” said Seals. “This is in no way a reflection on the church where he worked but on his actions as an individual.”