Influence Church, New Heights gets investigated for claiming millions of food aid

Pastor Darnell West, the lead pastor of Influence Church, which received a subpoena from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, rides a helicopter to travel between his church properties. (Photo by David Carson from Post-Dispatch)

Influence Church, and New Heights, a nonprofit organization, received subpoenas from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) on Tuesday, March 7, for claiming nearly 29 million dollars in federal reimbursement.

The St. Louis Post Dispatch website revealed that the Feral investigators summoned them for two child nutrition programs late last year.

They added that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri released subpoenas to the DHSS in December to seek records on Influence Church.

Church's Response

The same website reported that the church’s lead pastors, Darnell and Rochelle West, did not respond to a request for comment about the claimed millions in federal reimbursement through the United States Department of Agriculture program.

In addition, Rochelle, an accountant overseeing the financial records of the church’s involvement in the program, did not comment, as noted on the news. They said Darnell, who uses a helicopter to fly between his church properties, did not answer.

According to them, Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek Wisemen requested the DHSS to turn over all records related to the Influence Church to the FBI. They explained that these documents include reimbursement claims, purchase receipts, and the number of meals.

Besides, they requested the bank accounts where payments were directed and corresponded with the Wests.

Moreover, Scott Rosenblum, a well-known local defense lawyer of Connie Bobo, the head of New Heights Community Resource Center, has yet to respond to the claim detailing how New Heights billed over $20 million since 2020.

Post-Dispatch released a story on Nov. 28 revealing that the nonprofit organization bought a $975,000 house for Bobo in St. Charles.

More importantly, they emphasized that the U.S. Attorney’s Office spokesman refused to answer on the issue.

USDA Child Nutrition Program

The report explained that the USDA child nutrition programs are the Summer Food Service Program and Child and Adult Care Food Program. They noted that these efforts aim to feed vulnerable children hungry during the summer and after school.

As further stated, nonprofit groups that offer the service are paid as much as $4.50 per meal. They said the payments would cover all program costs like transportation and labor.

In a matter of months, New Heights and Influence Church became the two of the most significant participants in Missouri’s program. They based this result on the money they claimed in meal reimbursement.

About Influence Church

Meanwhile, the Influence Church website highlighted that they are a venue where individuals could genuinely follow Jesus. They stated they are designed to encounter a real God, discover authentic people, and serve the real world.

According to them, they welcome everyone regardless of where they are on their spiritual walk.

In another section, they noted that people could feel a relaxing and friendly atmosphere when they visit Influence Church. They could enjoy exciting modern worship songs and helpful, relevant preachings.

Moreover, they highlighted that they care for children with their loving, quality nursery and fun-filled service designed for them.