BEDFORD (WSLS) The Bedford pastor who ran the now-closed Grace House shelter spent time jail this week. As you may remember, the shelter recently closed because of a lack of money.
Josh Ball was booked into Bedford Adult Detention Center on two charges for separate incidents. One for assault and battery and also for writing a bad check.
Bedford Police Chief said Ball was first arrested Tuesday morning after an acquaintance accused him of assault the day before. Warrants for his arrest were signed by a magistrate. Later that day, Ball was charged with writing a bad check to pay for electric service at the shelter.
The finance director for the town of Bedford said the Grace House was given three notices before disconnection day, which is when Ball gave the check.
The director says it's their policy that service will be disconnected without further notice if a check is returned. The electricity was cut-off at the Grace House on February 16 due to due to a return check for insufficient funds. Also according to the Utility Cut-off Policy for the town of Bedford, Grace Ministries is in Cycle 3 on the list.
Because the check was written for more than $200, it is considered a felony.
Four days later on February 20, during an on-camera interview, Ball stated that without grant money, they couldn't afford to pay bills. We reached out to Ball for comment and was told he will not provide additional statements until after meeting with his attorney.
We were also told there is more to the story but he cannot disclose that information right now.