Recent indictments have targeted leaders connected to the House of Prayer Christian Church of America (HOPCC). A former member has shared insights into their experiences with the church and its leadership.

“It was cult, at its core it was a cult that was a real estate slash [Veterans Affair] scam,” a former member of the church told Thursday.

Taiana Moreno spent her early years in the House of Prayer Church in Washington. Upon reaching 17, she relocated to Hinesville for schooling, following a directive from church leaders prohibiting attendance at public schools.

Among the eight individuals accused of orchestrating a long-term fraud conspiracy is “Rony Denis,” the founder and primary leader of the church.

Moreno described, “We were led to believe that Rony Denis was a devoted man of God, always praying for us.” She added, “We began to question his absence and the reasons behind his lack of interaction with the church. People often dismissed these concerns, suggesting he was engaged in important work. We now understand this was untrue.”

The name “Rony Denis” is reportedly an alias, taken in 1983. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has indicted Denis on charges including conspiracy to commit bank fraud, wire fraud, and aiding in filing a false tax return.

Moreno left the church in 2021 but said during her time there was always pressure to give money.

Moreno noted, “Over time, the church demanded increasing amounts of money, claiming to fund missionary trips and continuously pressing members for donations.” She continued, “My ex-husband frequently contributed large sums in tithes and offerings.”

Pastor Bernadel Semexant, who was indicted Thursday for various sex offenses involving a minor, was someone Moreno ran into on occasion.

“There would be comments all the time like he is really weirdly close with teenagers and has a very weird friendship with them and he’s not the only one,” Moreno said.

If you or someone you know were victimized by leadership of HOPCC or have information about possible fraud or sexual abuse, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) asks you to fill out this form.

“The FBI is actively seeking additional victims of fraud schemes,” Assistant Special Agent in Charge for the FBI’s Atlanta Division Brian Ozden said. “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.”