The trial of Liberty City pastor Gaston Smith has begun. He is accused of stealing more than $10,000 intended for Friends of MLK, a community non-profit organization established to revitalize the community. The trail of personal expenses charged to the organization by Smith is the core of the prosecution’s case. Smith’s lawyers assert he reimbursed Friends of MLK for the expenses.
Meanwhile, Rev. Smith’s church, Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, is divided because of the pastor’s legal troubles. Church leadership that supports Smith authorized $50,000 of church funds for his legal defense. Those that do not support Smith have resigned from leadership positions and question expenditures for various items including a Mercedes-Benz for Smith that was later repossessed.
Many are watching this trial as it is inextricably tied to the latest corruption probe of suspended City of Miami Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones. She is accused of establishing the Friends of MLK foundation and receiving $8,000 of the $25,000 awarded for the grant.
As Smith’s personal financial history is made public and there have been allegations of racism and attempts to bring down black leaders in the community, the fact remains that the Liberty City community still needs help and the people who live and work there are also victims.
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