Missing church donations have prompted an accounting inquiry by Betty and a separate attempt by private investigator Wong Gai to obtain a confession from the congregation.

Gai insisted the inquiry should take place under the roof where the money disappeared. He then turned to a competitive giving event, saying contributors’ behavior could tell him more than their explanations.

Larry’s surveillance material has not supplied a clear picture. Gai has continued to favor direct observation, including who takes an interest in the money basket.

The later collection became difficult to follow when Gai introduced a boombox during Jerry’s sermon. Money was thrown as the congregation became increasingly active.

Chief Hootie’s statement separates the original shortage from the new collection. His office asks witnesses to specify which event their accounts concern.

That distinction does not resolve Gai’s question. In his own account, he says he was watching reactions rather than receipts. The investigator considers a willingness to contribute part of his inquiry; the department does not treat it as an accounting result.

The public accounts do not explain where the original donations went. The Tribune’s accounting follow-up asks what the second collection can establish.