Judge tosses wage-theft case against Brooklyn Park pastor
A judge dismissed wage-theft charges Wednesday against Bishop Harding Smith of Brooklyn Park, who leads the nonprofit Minnesota Acts Now.[1]
The Hennepin County Attorney's Office said it disagrees with the dismissal and that the judge's decision was based on case timelines, not the merits of the evidence.[1] Smith acknowledged paying staff about $20 an hour while the Hennepin County contract required $35 an hour, and he said he believed the contract set a rate "up to" $35.[1]
Prosecutors accused Minnesota Acts Now of misusing county funds, but they did not allege Smith personally pocketed the money.[1] Smith said the funds were spent on a youth center building and a van for the nonprofit.[1] A separate theft-by-swindle case against Minnesota Acts Now is scheduled for trial in January.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- A judge dismissed wage-theft charges Wednesday against Bishop Harding Smith of Brooklyn Park, who leads Minnesota Acts Now.
- Smith admits paying staff $20/hour while a Hennepin County contract required $35/hour, saying he believed the rate was "up to" $35.
- The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office says it disagrees with the dismissal and notes it was based on case timelines, not evidence.
- Smith is accused of misusing, but not personally pocketing, funds; he says money went toward a youth center building and a van.
- A separate theft-by-swindle case against Minnesota Acts Now is set for trial in January.
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