Pastor Admits Guilt in Large-Scale Fraud Scheme
A member of the clergy has acknowledged his role in a series of financial crimes that left multiple victims and commercial establishments out of pocket by more than $300,000.
Gavin Otto accepted responsibility for all 19 criminal charges brought against him during a court appearance this Monday. His sentencing hearing is set for November 7.
The charges against Otto include 13 counts related to obtaining money through false pretences and six counts involving fraudulent conversion. The crimes took place over a 20-month period spanning February 2021 through October 2022.
Several of the fraudulent conversion allegations involve Otto accepting payment for construction materials and shipping containers that customers never received.
Otto also had a practice of writing cheques without adequate funds to support them.
Multiple service stations accepted cheques from Otto’s personal account in exchange for cash, only to have every one rejected due to insufficient funds.
Police executed a search warrant at Otto’s residence in October 2022 as part of their investigation. Officers reported that Otto attempted to flee the scene by climbing over a fence. He was subsequently detained, and investigators recovered numerous receipts and cheque stubs from inside the property.
This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2025/10/08/pastor-admits-guilt-in-large-scale-fraud-scheme. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

About the author
The Editorial Staff refers to all reporters employed by Antigua.news. When an article is not an original creation of Antigua.news—such as when it is based on a press release, other media articles, letters to the editor, or court decisions—one of our staff members is responsible for overseeing its publication.
Read our editorial standards and corrections policy. Spotted an error? Contact the newsroom.
More from Antigua and Barbuda
View section
LETTER: More Than a Number: What the Class of 2026 Tells Us
Professor C. Justin Robinson reflects on UWI Five Islands’ largest graduating class, its pioneering achievements and the need to bring more men into higher education.
By Shermain Bique-Charles
Idris Elba and Senator Jamilla Kirwan to Headline One Commonwealth Night as Hosts
Star-studded cultural celebration at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium will bring together international talent and local performers during CHOGM 2026.
By Cory Wayland
Regional Troops Arrive in Antigua and Barbuda to Strengthen CHOGM Security Preparations
Cayman Islands Regiment personnel join a regional military effort to support security, logistics and event operations ahead of the November summit.
By Cory Wayland
Police Outpost and Management Office Approved for Pelican Court
Cabinet establishes dedicated arrangements for security, maintenance and community concerns at the housing development.
By Shermain Bique-Charles
Comments (13)
Child of God October 8, 2025, 12:49 PM
Jah T October 8, 2025, 2:21 PM
Justice October 8, 2025, 12:51 PM
Juju Bee October 8, 2025, 1:26 PM
Kianna October 8, 2025, 2:30 PM
Ben Simmons October 8, 2025, 2:54 PM
unruly one October 8, 2025, 4:54 PM
D Vaughn October 8, 2025, 5:39 PM
Faithful National October 8, 2025, 7:29 PM
Informed citizen October 8, 2025, 8:59 PM
Lena October 9, 2025, 12:09 AM
Maki October 9, 2025, 11:26 AM
Anonymous October 10, 2025, 4:06 PM