Christian school director received payments for guaranteed enrollment, authorities say

By Michael Gryboski, Editor Thursday, May 21, 2026

The former director of a Christian school in South Carolina has been accused of stealing more than $10,000 and offering guaranteed enrollment in exchange for cash.

The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office Economic Crimes Unit arrested Tyler McGatha, former director of Covenant Christian Academy, a Christian school in Greer affiliated with Covenant Church.

McGatha, 45, was charged with breach of trust greater than $10,000. Authorities charged McGatha on Tuesday and released her after a $10,000 bond was posted, according to the Greenville-based Fox Carolina.

The investigation began last November when church leaders contacted police over concerns that McGatha may have been stealing money from the church.

Investigators concluded that between January 2019 and August 2025, McGatha manipulated payroll records by crediting multiple part-time employees with more hours than they actually worked, resulting in overpayments.

Authorities also allege McGatha of accepted cash payments from new enrollees in exchange for guaranteed placement at the school, with the money allegedly used for personal reasons, Fox Carolina reported. Investigators further allege that McGatha used the church’s credit card for personal purchases.

Covenant Church and Covenant Christian Academy released a statement saying they were “heartbroken by the breach of financial trust that has impacted our church and school community.”

“After concerns arose regarding the handling and management of Covenant Christian Academy financial operations and accounts, church leadership took action to review the situation, sought professional assistance to investigate the allocations thoroughly and turned the findings over to law enforcement,” Covenant stated, according to the Greenville-based WYFF News 4.

“Throughout this difficult process, our heart has remained with the students, families, teachers, and staff who make Covenant Christian Academy such a special place. We are incredibly grateful for the unwavering support, prayers, and encouragement from our church and school community.”

The church and academy added that while they “cannot comment further due to the active legal matter, we remain committed to integrity, accountability, and the continued mission of Covenant Church and Covenant Christian Academy.”

Covenant is affiliated with the Global Methodist Church, a theologically conservative denomination largely made up of churches that left the United Methodist Church over ideological differences.