Sonicflood is dealing with the darker side of the music industry. Darrel Statema, the band's former booking agent, was arrested Wednesday in Nashville, TN for reportedly stealing at least $10,000 - or as much as $40,000 - from the popular worship band.

According to lead singer Rick Heil, the 52-year-old agent was reponsible for setting up concert dates, collecting up-front money and paying the band. Heil says that Sonicflood never saw the money, and a Williamson County grand jury recently indicted Statema on felony charges of theft.

"I think you reap what you sow," said Heil. "He said he didn't know where [the money] was...it's very sad we trusted this person,"

When WKRN News 2 tried to talk to Statema on Wednesday, he said, "I pray for [the band] all the time. I appreciate their ministry and I had nothing to do with this situation."

For now, Sonicflood plans to focus on its new album, This Generation (streets March 8, 2005), and quickly approaching Australian tour. And they'll let the courts decide the fate of their former booking agent.

"We forgive him for taking the money," said Heil. "We're sorry it's ended up this way."

Sources close to the investigation told News 2 that Statema is accused of pilfering close to $40,000 from the band. The former booking agent has no previous record, and his bond is set at $25,000.

Posted by Janet Kyler