The Black Collar Crime Series relies on public news stories and publicly available information for its content. If any incorrect information is found, please contact Bruce Gerencser. Nothing in this post should be construed as an accusation of guilt. Those accused of crimes are innocent until proven guilty.
Stacy Simmons, the wife of Pastor Mike Simmons of New Beginnings Crossroads Fellowship in West Salem, Ohio stands accused of:
Count 1: Grand Theft (fourth-degree felony) — alleging that between Oct. 4, 2019, and Dec. 14, 2023, she knowingly obtained or exerted control over $20,893.77 without consent, with the alleged victim listed as (REDACTED). The indictment states the value falls between $7,500 and $150,000.
Count 2: Telecommunications Fraud (third-degree felony) — alleging a scheme to defraud during the same 2019–2023 time frame, using telecommunications to further that scheme, with the value of the benefit/detriment also listed as between $7,500 and $150,000.
Count 3: Forgery (fourth-degree felony) — alleging that on or about April 22, 2024, she forged a document described as a “Verification Of Receipt Of Fund By Minor” without authority, with the indictment again citing a value/loss between $7,500 and $150,000.
Stacy Lee Simmons, identified in court records as a resident of Ashland County and the wife of Pastor Mike Simmons of New Beginnings Crossroads Fellowship, has been indicted on three felony counts and entered not guilty pleas in Ashland County Common Pleas Court.
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The materials provided state Simmons was arrested Dec. 12, 2025, and booked into the Ashland County Jail. During a video hearing for arraignment and bond on the Common Pleas case, the court identified the case as State of Ohio v. Stacy Lee Simmons and noted the hearing was conducted by video with the state represented by Assistant Prosecutor James Reese and Simmons represented by defense attorney Norman Miller.
During arraignment, defense counsel indicated Simmons had received a copy of the indictment, waived defects in time or manner of service, and waived a formal reading. Counsel then entered a not guilty plea to all charges, which the court accepted.
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On bond, the state asked for a $22,000 cash bond, citing the alleged theft amount and the desire to ensure appearance. Defense requested a recognizance bond, arguing Simmons has lived in Ashland County for more than 20 years, has no criminal history, is married, works locally, and was aware of the allegations without attempting to leave.
The court imposed a two-part bond structure:
Personal recognizance bond (promise to appear), and
$10,000 posted bond with a 10% option (with posting options described on the record).
No contact whatsoever with the alleged victim
As with all criminal cases, an indictment is an allegation, and the charges must be proven in court.
Bruce Gerencser, 69, lives in rural Northwest Ohio with his wife of 48 years. He and his wife have six grown children and thirteen grandchildren. Bruce pastored Evangelical churches for twenty-five years in Ohio, Texas, and Michigan. Bruce left the ministry in 2005, and in 2008 he left Christianity. Bruce is now a humanist and an atheist.
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