Local pastor faces securities fraud charges

PINSON, Ala.—- A Jefferson County pastor is accused of misusing his church members’ investments.

Mark Ellenberger says he trusted his pastor of several years more than a brother.

However, even when Randall Pardue approached him about investing in a gulf shores condo project, Ellenberger still wanted some assurances.

“Could this be a ponzi scheme? Do you know the people you are investing with?  Do you know if it is legit? I was assured that yes, that there are tangible assets here and it’s not a scam,” Ellenburger remembered.

So Ellenburger invested fifteen thousand dollars.
   
That was about five years ago.

He’s never seen a dime of return or his original investment.
Now Pardue has been charged in a ten count securities fraud indictment.

It accuses him of misusing money from half a dozen investors.

Most of the victims were church members.

Ellenburger still finds it hard to believe Pardue intended to steal his money.     

“If it is true that he had malicious intent that’s hard to swallow from somebody that you’ve put your trust in as the leader of your church,” Ellenberger stated.

Pardue left that church before it later dissolved.

He now serves at the senior pastor at New Covenant Fellowship in Pinson.

A board member there stressed Pardue is innocent until proven guilty and they support him and his family.

Meanwhile, Ellenberger claims the allegations alone have taught him a lesson.

“No matter position a person is in they can be out to take advantage. Don’t have blind faith in somebody just because of who they are or what their position is,” Ellenburger concluded Tuesday.

Cary Alan Burdette was a member of the same church with Pardue and Ellenburger.

He’s faces a 19 count indictment in the same investigation.