Minnesota Pastor Pleads Not Guilty to Swindling Woman

AUSTIN, Minn. (AP) - A southern Minnesota pastor has pleaded not guilty to charges he swindled more than $40,000 from an 82-year-old woman with dementia.

The Rev. David DeFor entered his plea Thursday in Mower (MOH'-ur) County court.

DeFor is charged with financially exploiting a vulnerable adult.

According to court records, DeFor and his wife allegedly received about $11,000 from the woman since DeFor was made the woman's power of attorney in July 2010. Austin Church of Christ, where DeFor is pastor, received about $15,000 during that time.

Authorities say the woman also had withdrawn more than $21,000 from her account for other expenses related to DeFor.

Reports say DeFor will be in court in October for a pretrial hearing. His trial date is set for Nov. 4.