Church Administrator Arrested in $500K+ RICO Fraud Investigation in Bibb County

MACON, Ga. — A months-long investigation into alleged financial misconduct at a local church has led to the arrest of a church administrator accused of stealing more than $500,000.

The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division began the case after receiving a complaint on October 28, 2025, from leaders with the South Georgia United Methodist Conference regarding concerns about the financial status of Riverside United Methodist Church in Macon, GA.

According to investigators, new church leadership raised concerns about debt and financial operations, prompting the hiring of a forensic accountant. The review uncovered suspicious and potentially fraudulent activity, which was then reported to authorities.

Detectives say the investigation revealed financial crimes dating back to 2022 through 2025, when the church ultimately closed. Authorities allege that more than $500,000 was taken without authorization and used for personal purposes.

Investigators identified Tiffany Alayn Watson, 39, of Gray, who served as the church administrator and co-director of the Riverside United Methodist Church Children Center, as a key suspect.

Watson met with investigators on Tuesday morning before being taken into custody and transported to the Bibb County Law Enforcement Center.

She faces multiple felony charges, including computer theft, first-degree forgery, theft by conversion, theft by deception, financial identity fraud, fiduciary theft, money laundering, evasion of income tax, and violations of Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.

Watson is currently being held without bond.

The investigation remains ongoing, and officials say additional charges may be filed. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office or Macon Regional Crime Stoppers.