Gary Food Pantry President Accused of Theft of Pantry Funds
Gary- A 57-year-old Gary man, identified as Kevin Denean Hawkins, has been charged with felony theft after investigators reviewed months of alleged unauthorized purchases made with the First Baptist Church of Gary Indiana Food Pantry debit card, according to recently filed court documents.
The probable cause affidavit states Hawkins served as President of the church’s food pantry beginning in October 2024 and was issued the pantry’s business debit card, which was intended only for the purchase of food distributed to the community. A church representative told investigators that receipts for purchases were never turned in and that when questions were raised about the missing receipts, “Kevin blew up.”
According to the affidavit, a review of bank statements revealed a series of transactions beginning October 21, 2024, and continuing until May 30, 2025, that were inconsistent with pantry operations. The affidavit describes examples such as purchases at fast-food restaurants, mini marts, Macy’s, Urban Cannabis, ATM cash withdrawals, and fuel for personal vehicles—expenses the church representative stated were never permitted for pantry use.
Court documents further state the representative learned her name had been removed from the pantry’s bank account without her being present, and that she later reviewed the remaining bank records available to her. She reported that Hawkins “started misappropriation of funds” shortly after being appointed president and was the only active debit-card holder during the time period at issue.
The affidavit states an itemized list of alleged unauthorized purchases totaled $3,687.05. Investigators noted Hawkins never reported the card lost or stolen and that no reports of theft, fraud, or identity theft were made by him during the span of the alleged transactions.
Lodged in the Lake County Jail.
Charge filed December 9,2025
• Theft — Level 6 Felony
