A Canton pastor who also led a local nonprofit is now facing felony charges, after state prosecutors say he quietly diverted roughly $375,000 in donations that were supposed to support youth programs. A Stark County grand jury on Thursday indicted 41-year-old Jamar Fleming, identified as the CEO and pastor of Agape Ministries, on allegations that he used charitable funds for his own benefit between June 3, 2022, and May 21, 2025. The organization operates mentorship efforts for at-risk young people in the Canton area.
According to the WOIO/Cleveland 19 News report, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office announced the indictment and put the alleged loss to the nonprofit at about $375,000. The station notes that Fleming was serving in both top roles at Agape Ministries during the period covered by the charges, and that investigators took their findings to a Stark County grand jury after examining the group’s finances.
Indictment Details
The indictment filed by the Ohio Attorney General's Office lays out eight criminal counts, including two counts of aggravated theft and two counts of telecommunications fraud. Prosecutors allege the conduct ran from June 3, 2022, through May 21, 2025, and the filing notes that the grand jury returned a true bill on case numbers 2026CR1207-A and 2026CR1207-B. The document also includes multiple counts tied to filing incomplete, false, or fraudulent tax returns over several years.
Local Impact and the Nonprofit
Agape Ministries, the nonprofit at the center of the case, runs mentorship programming for at-risk youth in the Canton area, according to WOIO/Cleveland 19 News. Volunteers and small-charity organizers say allegations like these can rattle donor confidence and make it tougher for other groups doing similar street-level work to raise the money they need. WOIO reported that there was no immediate public statement from Fleming or from a representative of Agape Ministries in response to the indictment.
Charges and What They Carry
The Attorney General’s filing lists charges that range from fifth-degree felony counts tied to certain tax allegations up to second-degree felonies for telecommunications fraud, along with third-degree felony charges for aggravated theft. Those felony levels can bring potential prison time and fines if Fleming is convicted, although any eventual sentence would depend on which charges are proven in court and on his criminal history, if any. For now, the case remains at the accusation stage, and Fleming is presumed innocent unless and until prosecutors secure a conviction.
Next Steps in Stark County
The indictment has been filed in Stark County Common Pleas Court, where the case will move toward arraignment and then pretrial hearings. The court’s general-division matters are handled at the Frank T. Bow building at 101 West Tuscarawas Street in Canton, according to county information. As the case progresses, upcoming court dates will appear on the public docket, and filings such as motions or any plea will become part of the public record. Reporters and residents can track developments by checking official Stark County court and clerk filings.
