Share this @internewscast.com
Federal prosecutors have charged the founder and several leaders of the House of Prayer Christian Churches of America with running a long-term, $22 million fraud operation that allegedly exploited U.S. military personnel and veterans. This Georgia-based ministry is accused of orchestrating the scheme over the course of decades.
After the indictment, the FBI undertook a raid near Augusta, Georgia, on Wednesday, arresting church leaders who have faced accusations for years of operating like a cult and specifically targeting military communities nationwide.
Jenna Sellitto, an FBI Atlanta public affairs specialist, confirmed to Fox News Digital that a raid was executed at a residence in Columbia County, Georgia, with authorized arrests made in connection to the church probe.
Sellitto said she could not immediately release the identities of those taken into custody.
The House of Prayer Christian Church has a facility near Fort Stewart, Georgia, where authorities also carried out a raid in 2022. (AP Photo/Russ Bynum)
Funds intended for veterans’ education were instead diverted to church leaders and affiliated entities, according to the indictment.
Court documents further reveal that Denis allegedly assisted in the submission of fraudulent joint tax returns for the years 2018, 2019, and 2020, which led to false refund claims amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars annually.
In an effort to classify the case as complex and bypass the Speedy Trial Act’s requirements, prosecutors have detailed their extensive review of over 175 bank accounts, numerous witness interviews, the execution of five search warrants in four states, and the seizure of more than 100 electronic devices and 80 boxes of documentation.
“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.
