News Summary
Federal authorities have announced new charges against Bernadel Semexant, a member of the House of Prayer Christian Church, as part of an investigation into child sex crimes and fraudulent activities targeting veterans. The church is accused of exploiting vulnerable individuals, especially military personnel, through scams involving benefits and identity fraud. This indictment adds to legal troubles surrounding the church’s leadership, including its founder, Rony Denis. The ongoing investigation highlights concerns about predatory practices within the organization.
Augusta, Ga. – Federal authorities have unveiled another indictment as part of an ongoing investigation into the House of Prayer Christian Church, with the latest charges filed against Bernadel Semexant, 35, from Hinesville and Savannah. Semexant is facing multiple charges related to child sex crimes, including enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, sexual abuse of a minor, and possession of child pornography.
This indictment adds to a series of legal troubles for the church, which has been accused of engaging in fraudulent activities and exploiting vulnerable individuals, especially military members and veterans. The recent charges follow an earlier raid of the luxurious mansion owned by church leader Rony Denis in Columbia County. Denis and seven other church leaders were arrested during this operation, which continues to attract significant scrutiny and criticism.
During the raid on the opulent estate located at 3816 Honors Way, authorities uncovered evidence linking Denis to a history of identity fraud. It has been revealed that Denis has allegedly been using a stolen identity since 1983, and his real name remains concealed from investigators. He is one of eight church leaders indicted for various charges, including fraud and tax-related offenses.
Critics of the House of Prayer Christian Church have gone as far as to label it a cult, citing the organization’s suspicious practices that allow it to scam veterans out of their entitled benefits. Authorities assert that the church targeted military personnel for fraudulent schemes involving their benefits, implementing mechanisms that manipulated congregants’ personal information and relationships. For instance, the church maintained a so-called “traitors” list to identify former members while also controlling personal interactions, particularly discouraging contact with family members who had distanced themselves from the church.
Additionally, it has come to light that the House of Prayer directed veterans to enroll in its “in-house” Bible seminary, misleadingly utilizing GI Bill benefits to fund tuition without providing adequate educational instruction. Between 2013 and 2021, church leaders allegedly exploited an astonishing $23.5 million in federal veteran benefits through fraudulent claims, while also generating $5.2 million in rental income that involved the use of church members as “straw buyers” in fraudulent mortgage applications.
Denis himself faces serious allegations, including filing false income tax returns for multiple years with deliberate misrepresentation of income figures. The mansion in question during the raid spans nearly 11,000 square feet and was previously listed for $1.96 million, owned by a limited-liability partnership linked to the church.
Prior raids on church properties were also part of investigations into these alleged fraudulent activities targeting veterans’ benefits. Former members reported that the organization’s environment was manipulative and harmful, describing experiences where long-term commitments were made without receiving promised educational credentials.
Federal prosecutors continue to seek more information regarding Semexant and other church leaders implicated in this extensive investigation. The recently unsealed indictment charges a total of eight leaders from the church, highlighting a wide array of alleged criminal activities that have raised alarms about the church’s operations and its impact on the local community.
As this investigation unfolds, authorities are working diligently to bring to light the full extent of the House of Prayer Christian Church’s alleged fraudulent and predatory practices. The legal proceedings against Semexant and the other indictments reflect a broader effort to combat exploitation within organizations that prey on vulnerable populations, particularly those with military backgrounds.
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Federal Grand Jury Indicts Leader of House of Prayer Churches
House of Prayer Leader Arrested in Fraud Investigation
FBI Raids Mansion Linked to House of Prayer Fraud Scheme
Significant FBI Raid on Controversial Religious Organization
Community Rallies for Peace and Healing Amid Tragedy
Additional Resources
- WTOC: FBI Arrests Leader of House of Prayer in Augusta
- Wikipedia: House of Prayer
- WRDW: Stolen Name, Stolen Benefits
- Google Search: House of Prayer Christian Church
- Augusta Chronicle: FBI Pastor Arrested
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fraudulent Activities
- ABC News: Indictment Charges Church Leaders
- Google News: Fraud Against Veterans
- The Augusta Press: West Lake Raid Tied to Federal Indictment
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.
