Former pastor accused of theft could have charges dismissed

Richard Everett
·1 min read

COFFEE COUNTY, Ala (WDHN)– A former Elba pastor and assistant Wiregrass coroner accused of stealing nearly $9,000 from a state department almost two years ago is entering a diversion program hoping to have his charges dismissed.

Philip Box is accused of stealing approximately $8,911.07 from the Alabama Coroners Association between April and September 2022 while serving as its executive director.

Box was arrested in January 2024 after the Alabama Attorney General’s Office issued a warrant. Shortly after his arrest, Box revealed he intended to plead guilty.

On February 29, Judge Jeff Kelly allowed Box to enter a pretrial diversion program.

If Box completes the diversion program, which could consist of mandatory reporting to the District Attorney’s Office and drug tests, Judge Kelley will dismiss the charges.

Past WDHN reports show Box, a former pastor in Elba, unsuccessfully ran for Coffee County Coroner in 2018 and later served in the appointed deputy coroner position.

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