DANVILLE — A warrant has been issued for a the former pastor of a Martinsville church in connection with the Monday robbery at the Bank of America, according to a news release from the Danville Police Department.
The grand larceny warrant has been issued for Lawrence Winford Roy, 47, who has ties to the Henry County area, the release states.
Martinsville Police Chief Mike Rogers confirmed Friday that Roy had been the pastor of God's Holy Church in Christ, 128 Fayette St., but that no longer is the case.
God’s Holy Church in Christ bought the building at 128 Fayette St. in 2006, according to city records. It was damaged by fire in August 2010 and rebuilt. In January, the church lost the building to foreclosure.
Also in January, Roy began leading church services at the Dutch Inn, according to a representative from the hotel and convention center, under the name New Life Ministries International. In April 2012, New Life Ministries International, with Roy as pastor, was meeting in Martinsville, according to announcements sent to the Martinsville Bulletin by members of the congregation.
The Danville bank is located at 3205 Riverside Drive. A Danville Police spokesman said Friday the department never divulges how much money is taken in robberies.
He did say Roy is believed to have formerly lived in the Henry County area and has relatives here.
All law enforcement agencies were notified that he is at large through the national crime network, the spokesman added.
Roy is 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighs 225 pounds, the release states. He is known to operate a silver colored 2001 Jaguar four-door with a Virginia tag XKF-2379, the release added.
The investigation here is continuing.
Anyone with information on Roy’s whereabouts is asked to call 911 immediately, the release states.
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