AUGUSTA, Ga. () – The U.S. Department of Justice says 8 people were indicted on 26 charges for fraud schemes and tax matters.

That includes the founder of the House of Prayer, Rony Denis, who lives in that home, and was taken into custody Wednesday morning.

He is now in the Jefferson County jail.

The FBI is releasing more information about these arrests.

“The indictment represents the culmination of years of investigative work,” said Brian Ozden, assistant special agent in charge for the FBI-Atlanta division.

Court documents show the FBI has been looking into the House of Prayer founder, Rony Denis, since as early as July 1983.

Three years ago, FBI agents raided the House of Prayer churches in Hinesville and Hephzibah as part of a fraud investigation.

Investigators allege that church leaders manipulated members into turning over personal information, pressured arranged marriages, and forced them to live in properties that generated rental income for the defendants.

Officials say some of those victims are veterans across the district.

“The House of Prayer operators exploited veterans and their families by accessing VA funds for their own enrichment,” said Katie O’Neil, special agent in charge for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The U.S. Army Criminal Investigations Division says following these actions, they will pursue those responsible.

“We will aggressively pursue anyone who attempts to exploit the trust, confidence, and sacrifice that our service members have put towards, have earned some of these benefits, and have unfortunately been targeted and exploited,” said Ryan O’Conner.

Then, Wednesday morning, agents raided Denis’ West Lake home in Columbia County.

He’s now facing several charges, including conspiracy to commit bank fraud, aiding in the filing of a false tax return, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

The FBI says they’re now turning this investigation towards helping more victims, and bringing them justice. 

“The FBI is actively seeking additional victims of fraud schemes. So, if you or somebody you know had contact with the House of Prayer Christian Churches of America, or the House of Prayer Bible Seminary, and believe your personal information benefits or finances were misused—we are asking that you please come forward,” said Ozden.

“Your voice matters. Reporting your experiences may help us uncover the scope of harm, and hold all those responsible accountable,” Ozden said. “It takes exceptional courage to come forward, and we recognize that. The FBI and our partners will do everything we can to protect you in that endeavor.”

If you feel you are a victim, the FBI is encouraging you to contact them at fbi.gov/hopccvictims, or calling the FBI hotline number at 1 (800) CALL-FBI.