News Summary
Federal prosecutors have indicted the founder and high-ranking officials of the House of Prayer Christian Churches of America for a $22 million fraud scheme targeting military members and veterans. The church exploited the trust of servicemen over nearly two decades through bank fraud, misuse of VA benefits, and fraudulently obtaining mortgages. Key figures were arrested following federal raids, prompting an extensive investigation into their activities, which included manipulating church members and filing false tax returns. The indictments highlight a significant breach of trust within the religious organization.
Columbia County, Georgia – Federal prosecutors have indicted the founder and several leaders of the House of Prayer Christian Churches of America (HOPCC) for allegedly conducting a $22 million fraud scheme targeting U.S. military members and veterans over the course of nearly two decades. The indictment accuses the Georgia-based church of exploiting the trust and faith of servicemen for personal financial gain.
Federal investigators raided the church’s property in Columbia County on Wednesday, arresting key figures, including the church’s founder, Rony Denis. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) confirmed the raid and the arrests, although the identities of those arrested were not immediately disclosed. The indictment filed in the Southern District of Georgia includes multiple charges against Denis and other church officials, including bank fraud, wire fraud, misuse of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, and filing false tax returns.
According to prosecutors, Denis maintained strict control over church members through a system of intimidation and manipulation. The church leaders are believed to have grossed over $5.2 million in rental income from properties between 2018 and 2020, which were previously acquired through “straw buyer real estate purchases.” This method allegedly involved using the names of church members to obtain mortgages under false pretenses, with properties later transferred to entities controlled by the church, thus defaulting on mortgages to generate significant income.
The indictment further alleges that HOPCC misled the Department of Veterans Affairs by falsely certifying students for GI Bill benefits at affiliated Bible seminaries, diverting funds intended for veterans’ education to enrich church leaders and affiliated businesses. Denis is also accused of aiding in filing false joint tax returns, leading to fraudulent refunds that amounted to hundreds of thousands of dollars each year from 2018 to 2020.
In a sweeping investigation that spanned several states, federal authorities reviewed over 175 bank accounts, interviewed numerous witnesses, executed five search warrants, and seized more than 100 electronic devices and 80 boxes of documents. Over 200 grand jury subpoenas were issued, emphasizing the extensive nature of the fraud schemes that allegedly involved 150 to 200 properties.
Other Indicted Leaders and Charges
In addition to Rony Denis, other church leaders indicted include Anthony Oloans, Joseph Fryar, Dennis Nostrand, Gerard Robertson, David Reip, Marcus Labat, and Omar Garcia. The church’s legal representation for Rony Denis includes attorney Steven Sadow, who previously served as lead counsel for former President Donald Trump in a separate legal matter.
The fraudulent activities not only involved financial crimes but also allegations of manipulation among members, including forced shared personal information, arranged marriages, divorces, and control over members’ financial decision-making. Furthermore, Bernadel Semexant, a pastor within the church, has been charged with multiple sexual offenses involving a minor.
Background Context
Federal prosecutors argue that the actions of the church leaders constituted a severe breach of trust, which ultimately exploited the faith and service of U.S. servicemen. The allegations reveal a church that operated under the guise of a religious ministry while allegedly engaging in extensive financial deceit to benefit its leaders.
As the investigation continues, the church’s operations and the extent of its alleged fraudulent activities are under scrutiny, raising questions about the accountability of organizations that serve military personnel and the vulnerable populations they claim to support. The consequences of the indictment may lead to significant ramifications for the church as leaders face serious legal challenges ahead.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Fox News: House of Prayer Church Leaders Indicted
- Miami Herald: House of Prayer Indictment Details
- WTOC: FBI Arrests Leader of House of Prayer
- Google Search: House of Prayer Christian Churches of America
- Augusta Chronicle: FBI Pastor Arrested
- Wikipedia: Fraud
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.
