News Summary
The FBI, in conjunction with local deputies, raided a mansion in Martinez, Georgia, arresting Rony Denis, leader of the House of Prayer, amid allegations of a multimillion-dollar fraud targeting military veterans. The investigation reveals claims of identity theft, financial fraud, and exploitation of veterans’ benefits. Denis and seven other church leaders face serious charges as authorities gather evidence from several properties linked to the organization.
Martinez, Georgia — The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), along with local deputies, executed a raid on a luxury mansion located at 3816 Honors Way, leading to the arrest of Rony Denis, the leader of the controversial House of Prayer. The raid is part of an ongoing federal investigation into a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme in which the church is accused of targeting military veterans for their benefits.
Denis, who reportedly stole his identity in 1983, has yet to have his true identity confirmed by federal authorities. During the raid, evidence was collected as part of an inquiry that involves serious allegations of financial fraud and identity theft. He is among eight leaders indicted in connection with various fraud schemes and tax-related charges tied to the House of Prayer. The U.S. Department of Justice plans to unveil the details of their indictment in an upcoming news conference.
The House of Prayer, established by Denis in 2002 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, first later moved its headquarters to Hinesville, Georgia, and has opened around a dozen locations, primarily near military bases. This shift allowed the church to continue its operations, which critics label as a cult that exploits veterans. The organization allegedly exerts extreme control over its congregants, manipulating them into providing personal information and involving themselves in various arrangements, including marriages and divorces. Congregants were reportedly coerced to reside in church-owned properties, thereby generating rental income for the organization.
Previous raids by the FBI at different church locations, including one on Old Tobacco Road in Augusta, have resulted in the seizure of numerous documents providing evidence for ongoing investigations. The indictment claims that the church specifically aims to recruit military personnel and veterans to benefit from their military entitlements. For instance, veterans were encouraged to enroll in the House of Prayer Bible Seminary, purportedly funded through their GI Bill benefits. However, many reported receiving little to no actual education after years of attendance. Funds intended for educational purposes were allegedly funneled into church-controlled accounts, draining the veterans’ benefits over time.
The church is also accused of employing members as “straw buyers” for real estate ventures, whereby their personal identities were concealed from actual buyers to falsely complete VA loan applications. This operation generated over $5.2 million in rental income from 2018 to 2020 alone. Many individuals engaged in these fraudulent transactions reported facing significant negative repercussions, including damage to their credit ratings and even foreclosure of their homes.
In addition to the fraud allegations, Denis is charged with aiding in the preparation of false income tax returns for the years 2018, 2019, and 2020, wherein he falsely reported inflated income figures. The mansion involved in the recent raid is a sprawling 11,000 square feet residence that was previously listed for approximately $1.96 million, owned by a limited-liability partnership named Union GL Park.
The indictment outlines the extensive and complex nature of the investigation, which includes the review of more than 175 bank accounts, dozens of interviews, and the execution of search warrants across various states. Information gathered in the investigation reveals that the House of Prayer has received millions in federal veteran benefits while falsely claiming to operate without federal funding.
As this case unfolds, it represents a significant escalation in the ongoing investigation into the House of Prayer and its alleged fraudulent operations, which are particularly concerning given the targeting of service members and veterans who rely on their benefits. The investigation continues to gather momentum as authorities delve deeper into the church’s activities and the legal ramifications for its leaders.
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HERE Resources
Significant FBI Raid on Controversial Religious Organization
Additional Resources
- WRDW: Stolen Name, Stolen Benefits – New Details on Alleged Cult
- Wikipedia: Fraud
- Augusta Press: West Lake Raid Tied to Federal Indictment
- Google Search: House of Prayer fraud investigation
- WSAV: Several Local Men Indicted in Fraud Investigation
- Google Scholar: Christian Fraud Investigations
- WTOC: FBI Arrests Leader of House of Prayer in Augusta
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cult
- WJBF: FBI Raid on Million Dollar West Lake Home
- Google News: FBI raid House of Prayer
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
