Guilty plea in fraud case; megachurch pastor and spiritual advisor to Pres. Geo. W Bush awaits trial

SHREVEPORT, La. (AP) — A Louisiana investment adviser pleaded guilty Tuesday to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in a $3.5 million case that also involves a minister who was once a spiritual adviser to former President George W. Bush.

Gregory Alan Smith, 55, of Shreveport, is scheduled for sentencing Dec. 11, U.S. Attorney David Joseph said in a news release.

The sentencing date is nine days after the scheduled start of trial for Kirbyjon Caldwell, who officiated at the 2008 wedding of Bush's daughter Jenna and remains pastor of Windsor Village United Methodist Church, a Houston megachurch.

Smith and Caldwell were charged last year on 12 counts each of wire fraud, conspiracy and money laundering. Caldwell has pleaded not guilty.

Read more: https://www.mrt.com/news/texas/article/Guilty-plea-in-fraud-case-megachurch-pastor-14117284.php
(Midland Reporter-Telegram)

DOJ press release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdla/pr/shreveport-investment-advisor-pleads-guilty-bilking-clients-out-35-million