Pastor denies embezzlement by Jackson Martínez: Trial for €500,000

Madrid – In a recent hearing, Tomás G.M., evangelical pastor, denied the accusations of misappropriation related to funds donated by former soccer player Jackson Martínez. The trial, held by the Provincial Court of Madrid, focuses on the alleged theft of more than 500,000 euros. The Prosecution requests four years in prison, a fine of 3,000 euros, and compensation of 516,271 euros. This sum corresponds to donations made to the church led by Tomás G.M. According to the accusation, the pastor made 17 withdrawals and transfers to his personal account, using concepts such as “advance” or “payroll”. The prosecutor argues that the total embezzlement amounts to 516,271 euros, from the contributions of Jackson Martínez. It is alleged that the pastor used part of the money to acquire a vehicle worth more than 30,000 euros, cancel his mortgage, and give 260,000 euros to his son for the purchase of a villa in Boadilla del Monte.

The church treasurer stated that the pastor asked him to “say nothing” to the congregation about a donation of 250,000 euros.

Church treasurer

Jackson Martínez, now dedicated to Christian music, stated that he donated more than half a million euros for the dissemination of the gospel. In 2020, he discovered that the funds had not been allocated to the church and requested the return of the money without success. Several members of the congregation testified about the internal turmoil that led to the unanimous expulsion of the pastor. The defense argued that the chalet in Boadilla del Monte functioned as the church’s headquarters, although witnesses indicated that religious activities were carried out in different homes. The defendant’s son confirmed that the property is in his name and that he resides in it with his father and the latter’s wife. Tomás G.M., when answering only his lawyer’s questions, assured that he informed Jackson Martínez of the financial movements, including the purchase of the vehicle and the property. The defendant denied having received a formal request to return the money and pointed out that the complaint comes from the current members of the church, not directly from the donor.