May 21, 2026 (Tehachapi, CA) In the attached video and as demonstrated in the article below, I document proof that Jeff Kaplan and the Elders are intentionally violating Shepherd of the Hills Bylaws. This is only one of multiple Bylaws they are intentionally violating, with volition, and committing fraud via misrepresentation, ultimately in violation of multiple “Ultra Vires” acts.
Watch YouTube Video of this article here: https://youtu.be/gdbG7MmFzjo
Dave Gilliam, Michael Banton, Bill DeSilva, and Tom Allred are all operating as illegitimate Elders. All overseen and approved by Jeff Kaplan.
When you watch the video and read below documenting what, how, and why, you will see that this is NOT a minor oversight.
It is structural fraud at the highest level, intended to maintain control and run cover for unethical behavior and financial misconduct behind the scenes against the congregation, members, and donors of Shepherd of the Hills – for many years.
This is only a small look at what is truly happening.
Taking a Closer Look
Follow along and see for yourself by downloading and/or reading the Shepherd of the Hills Bylaws, from 2020, below.
Bylaws
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eg7kFJJ413rwzro_mLvEx1uyHKZoIZer/view?usp=sharing
In SOTH’s own Bylaws, within Article 6, Section 3, it states the following:
“The elders are to have 3 year staggered terms of service and rotate off of the board. Elders going off the board are eligible to come back on the board after a year of absence.”
How long have the following individuals served consecutively?
- Dave Gilliam: 16 years
- Ben Wegner: 16 years
- Tom Allred: 16 years
- Bill De Silva: 11-12 years
- Michael Banton: 3.5 years
How many years of absence have they had? None.
How many times have they rotated off of the board? Zero.
Instead, the above elders, with the approval of Jeff Kaplan as required by the Bylaws, are committing fraud via misrepresentation. Each time the above individuals act as elders, each action can be legally nullified. That means each vote, every signed document, every action taken, and every attempt to raise money while acting in their official capacity is a violation of governing charter law, an act of intentional fraud, and ultimately committing an “Ultra Vires” act.
This violation even puts their D&O (Directors & Officers) liability insurance in jeopardy. Meaning if their D&O policy is ever needing to be enacted and SOTH files a claim, there is a strong possibility that their policy will deny legal and liability coverage due to the elder board violating this and other multiple Bylaws. This would legally expose every single elder, both legally and personally, removing all corporate veil protection. This puts the entire organization in legal jeopardy.
Why is this happening?
An intentional, willful, ongoing and blatant violation of their Bylaws is taking place. The only reason is that power over the church and its finances can continue to go unchecked.
There have been reports of financial misconduct, and from what I have seen internally, and have in my possession as proof, I would agree with this.
Of course, a seizure of power by the same people for nearly two decades creates a blockade on Jeff Kaplan ever being held Biblically accountable for his public disqualification as Pastor, since they will continue to shield him from any and all accountability regardless of how many times he is caught in public not being above reproach.
Download the Bylaws and see for yourself.