House of Prayer church leaders indicted for alleged $22M fraud scheme targeting military vets
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Federal prosecutors have indicted the founder and several leaders of the House of Prayer Christian Churches of America, accusing the Georgia-based ministry of running a decades-long, $22 million fraud scheme that targeted U.S. military members and veterans.

Following the indictment, the FBI on Wednesday conducted a raid near Augusta, Georgia, arresting leaders after years of allegations that the church operated like a cult and preyed on military communities nationwide.

FBI Atlanta public affairs specialist Jenna Sellitto confirmed to Fox News Digital it carried out a raid at a home in Columbia County, Georgia, and made authorized arrests related to the church investigation. 

Sellitto said she could not immediately release the identities of those taken into custody.

Fort Stewart base shooting

The House of Prayer Christian Church has a location near Fort Stewart in Georgia, which was also raided by authorities in 2022. (AP Photo/Russ Bynum)

Funds intended for veterans’ education were instead diverted to church leaders and affiliated entities, according to the indictment.

In addition to the other crimes, court documents note Denis allegedly aided in filing false joint tax returns in 2018, 2019 and 2020, resulting in claims of hundreds of thousands of fraudulent refunds each year.

In a motion to designate the case as complex and exclude time under the Speedy Trial Act, prosecutors claim they reviewed more than 175 bank accounts, conducted dozens of witness interviews, executed five search warrants across four states, and seized more than 100 electronic devices and 80 boxes of documents.

“The defendants are accused of exploiting trust, faith, and even the service of our nation’s military members to enrich themselves,” said Paul Brown, special agent in charge of FBI Atlanta. “This indictment makes clear that using coercion, manipulation, and fraud under the guise of religion will not shield wrongdoers from accountability.”

More than 200 grand jury subpoenas were issued in the alleged fraud schemes, which spanned nearly two decades and involved 150 to 200 properties, according to court documents.

Denis is being represented by attorney Steven Sadow, who was lead counsel for President Donald Trump during his Georgia election interference case. Sadow could not immediately be reached for comment.

The Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s requests for additional information about Denis’ citizenship status and identity.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Son accused of brutally beating his mother to death with gardening tool over inheritance: police

Son accused of brutally beating his mother to death with gardening tool over inheritance: police

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A Missouri man is…
Justin Baldoni sued by NYT for legal fees over failed defamation suit

NYT Sues Justin Baldoni for Trial Costs After Defamation Case Dismissal

The litigation surrounding It Ends with Us doesn’t appear to have an…
Government shutdown update: Federal government shutdown begins as nation faces new period of uncertainty

Federal Government Shutdown Commences, Ushering in New Era of Uncertainty

WASHINGTON — Plunged into a government shutdown, the U.S. is confronting a…
Michigan church shooter's family reacts to viral fundraising effort by community faith members

Michigan church shooter’s family reacts to viral fundraising effort by community faith members

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The family of Thomas…
Anthony Volpe rewards Yankees' faith with strong Game 1

Anthony Volpe Justifies Yankees’ Trust with Impressive Game 1 Performance

During some of Anthony Volpe’s toughest times this season, Brian Cashman and…
Emma Stone fans left shocked as they claim star looks unrecognisable

Emma Stone Fans Surprised by Her New Unrecognizable Look

Fans of Hollywood star Emma Stone have been left shocked after seeing…
Screen of HUD website, blue and green with white text

HUD Secretary Stands by Criticism of Democrats on Public Website

() Scott Turner, President Trump’s secretary of Housing and Urban Development, rejects…
Eastwood Manor community in unincorporated McHenry County, Illinois is finally free of yellow water problem

The Yellow Water Issue Resolved in Eastwood Manor Community, McHenry County, IL

EASTWOOD MANOR, Ill. (WLS) — Residents in one north suburban community say…