Former Senior Pastor Keith Rydell Mayes, Sr., 63, of Tulsa, has pleaded guilty to Bank Fraud and Tax Evasion according to a release from United States Attorney, Northern District of Oklahoma, Christopher J. Nassar.

Mayes was hired as Senior Pastor of the historic Tulsa-based Vernon AME Church, in October 2021.  Mayes was responsible for various church functions, including overseeing church finances and managing church donations, collections, and disbursements of funds. Shortly after joining the church, Mayes opened a new account at the bank titled, “Administrative Expenses.”