Pastor sentenced to probation for corruption

DETROIT (AP) -- A Detroit pastor who doubled as a city building official has been sentenced to two years of probation in a scheme to have taxpayers pay for kitchen equipment at his church. The Detroit News reports U.S. District Judge Nancy Edmunds on Monday spared 60-year-old Charlie Golden from prison, citing in part his "exemplary" record. He could have faced 10 to 16 months in prison. Golden must pay a $3,000 fine and perform community service. He apologized in court. The government says he told a city contractor to get someone to install an expensive exhaust and hood over a deep fryer at Perfecting Freedom Church. The FBI says Golden signed phony city invoices to ensure that the contractor would be paid by Detroit. Golden was the city's assistant buildings superintendent. Published: Wed, May 8, 2013