The U.S. bankruptcy Court has appointed a chief restructuring officer to “control...the finances, property and legal actions” of Greater Salem Church.

According to documents filed in early January, the court also removed co-pastors Anthony and Harriet Jinwright from all offices and positions within the church, saying the convicted couple “shall not have any part of the assets, finances or business affairs” of Greater Salem.

The Jinwrights were convicted in May on multiple counts related to tax evasion and were sentenced in December to federal prison. The west Charlotte church filed for bankruptcy protection in November to avoid a foreclosure sale after falling behind on its mortgage payments.

Despite the Jinwrights’ convictions, the church had continued to pay Anthony Jinwright, who was being held in the Mecklenburg jail. Church leaders also had announced plans to hire Harriet Jinwright, who has been ordered to report to prison in April, as interim pastor.

Church leaders moved to sever ties with the Jinwrights after Greater Salem’s bankruptcy lawyer, Rick Mitchell, said he could not support further payments to the couple. Harriet Jinwright then resigned, effective Jan. 22.

The decision by U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge George Hodges to appoint a restructuring officer ensures that the Jinwrights cannot receive money from Greater Salem or be involved in its finances or operations without court approval.

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