Jesus House Board of Directors Says Executive Director's Salary 'Justified, Fair'

By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The board of directors overseeing the Jesus House is defending its executive director after accusations that the non-profit was mismanaging money.

Last week, NEWS 9 began asking questions after it was discovered that Jan Mercer, the woman who runs the Jesus House, made more than $150,000 in 2008.

Mercer is often turning to the media and begging for monetary assistance from the public. In fact, she said just last week that the non-profit homeless shelter owes a lot of money to a lot of people, and they're behind on utility bills. She also said the organization is about $1,500 negative in the bank.

When asked to justify the amount of money she's making, Mercer said she gets a 12 percent cut of all revenue the facility takes in, and that number is set by the board of directors.

"I think her salary is fine as far as I'm concerned," said Jesus House board member Mickey Homsey. "She gives a lot of the money she makes back to the Jesus House."

Homsey also serves as legal counsel for the Jesus House.

Homsey said NEWS 9's reports are nothing more than "gotcha journalism."

"If there is something raises a red flag to you and your news staff, and it's time to report it, can you fathom what it does to that organization to get a negative look? You do more harm than you do good, and I don't know if $154,000 is too much. I don't know. I'm not in the business, but it seems you and your news staff are," Homsey said.

Several people close to the Jesus House said Mercer gives a lot out of her own pocket to help others staying in the facility. Mercer also defends her salary by saying she's doing the work of four or five people and works seven days a week.

The A.G.'s office is looking into the situation.

More:

• Former Residents Dismiss Accusations Against Jesus House Mismanaging Funds
• Attorney General Looking Into Jesus House for Possible Mismanagement of Funds