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‘Serious violations’: Former Lifeway employee charged with misuse of funds

An inquiry by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has resulted in the arrest of a former Lifeway Christian Resources employee who most recently served as the director of Global Ministry.
  • October 20, 2026
  • Baptist Press
  • Latest News, Lifeway
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‘Serious violations’: Former Lifeway employee charged with misuse of funds

An inquiry by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has resulted in the arrest of a former Lifeway Christian Resources employee who most recently served as the director of Global Ministry.

In May 2025, Lifeway learned of actions by Giancarlo Montemayor and conducted an internal investigation that found “serious violations” of Lifeway’s “financial and ethical policies.” Entity leaders and Lifeway’s board of trustees referred the matter to local law enforcement and are cooperating with the Williamson County (Tennessee) DA’s Office.

Evidence presented

On Oct. 7, a Williamson County Grand Jury presented an indictment with one count of felony theft, three counts of felony computer offense, 10 counts of forgery, seven counts of computer offense and one count of criminal simulation, according to a statement from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. The TBI began its investigation Oct. 12 and eventually reported that the same individual, identified as Giancarlo Trejo, worked “for a company that distributes religious materials.” The evidence presented by investigators stated that he funneled fraudulent contacts to receive referral fees, distributed complimentary Bibles and then asked recipients to send payments to his personal account and used his company credit card for personal expenses and travel.

On Oct. 20, he was booked into the Williamson County Jail on a $250,000 bond.

Communications from Lifeway to Baptist Press said Montemayor joined Lifeway in September 2018 as manager of Spanish acquisition and production. Starting in 2021, he served at the director level.

Read more.


EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Scott Barkley and originally published by Baptist Press. 

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