PONTIAC (WWJ) – The former Chief Financial Officer of Trinity Baptist Church was arrested Wednesday for allegedly embezzling more than half a million dollars from the Pontiac institution.

Reuben Bynum, a 61-year-old resident of West Bloomfield Township, is accused of embezzling approximately $650,000 over the last six years.

The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office said their investigation showed Bynum had forged signatures on checks from the church bank account and misused the church’s debit card.

Church officials told police Bynum was let go from the church in August after the missing money was discovered. In December, the church filed a complaint with the sheriff’s office.

Sheriff’s officials say Bynum told the church he’ll refund the money and also asked that it keep the matter confidential.

Bynum is charged with three counts of embezzlement over $100,000. Each count carries up to twenty years in prison and a restitution of up to three times the amount of the money taken.