A former financial officer of Trinity Baptist Church in Pontiac is accused of embezzling approximately $650,000 from the church since 2006.

Reuben Bynum, 61, of West Bloomfield, was arrested Wednesday by Oakland County Sheriffs after being fired in August 2011 when money was discovered missing, according to a release issued Thursday.

Bynum allegedly forged a required second signature on checks from the church account and misused the church ATM and debit card.

Bynum was charged with three counts of embezzlement over $100,000. Each count carries up to 20 years in prison and a restitution requirement of up to three times the amount of the money taken.

According to the Sheriff's Office, Bynum produced a memo to the church outlining his restitution plan back to the church and also asked the church to keep the matter confidential. In December of 2011, Deacon Roy Van Eaton filed a complaint with the Sheriff's Office in Pontiac.

Bynum was arraigned and released Thursday on $50,000 personal bond. A court date has not been arranged.