Federal authorities have charged the founders of the American House of Prayer and some leaders from the Christian Church of Prayer, alleging that this Georgia-based organization ran a scheme that defrauded U.S. military members and veterans out of about $22 million over several years.
Following these serious allegations, the FBI executed a raid near Augusta, Georgia, raising longstanding concerns that the church functioned like a cult, particularly targeting veterans and military families.
Jenna Sellitt, a spokesperson for the FBI in Atlanta, confirmed the operation in Columbia County, Georgia, although details about those arrested have not been publicly disclosed yet.
The indictment comes after a series of raids on at least three prayer-related churches in Georgia and Texas back in June 2022, not far from military installations such as Fort Gordon and Fort Stewart.
In connection to these investigations, the Department of Justice filed for the forfeiture of nearly $150,000 due to the church’s alleged scamming of hundreds of service members.
The charges implicate several key figures, including founder Ronnie Dennis and leaders like Anthony Olons, alongside various others aged between their 40s and 50s. The accusations detail how these individuals manipulated their members through intimidation and strict control.
Interestingly, it seems their operation may have roots tracing back to as early as 2004, when they allegedly facilitated property purchases using church members’ names to secure mortgages fraudulently.
Reports suggest that from 2018 to 2020 alone, over $5 million in rental income was generated, and the churches reportedly misled veterans about educational benefits tied to GI Bill through a Bible seminary affiliated with HopCC.
The church leaders are accused of diverting funds meant for education, ultimately benefiting themselves instead. Court documents reveal that Dennis and his associates allegedly filed false joint tax returns from 2018 to 2020, mistakenly claiming hundreds of thousands in refunds each year.
As the investigation unfolds, prosecutors have indicated that they have looked into over 175 bank accounts and conducted numerous witness interviews. The seriousness of the situation is underlined by the extensive efforts involved in gathering evidence; they seized over 100 electronic devices and 80 boxes of documents.
Paul Brown from FBI Atlanta emphasized the gravity of the accusations, suggesting that exploiting the trust of military members and their families while masquerading under a religious banner is unacceptable. This case not only highlights potential fraud but raises significant ethical questions as well.
With more than 200 subpoenas issued, the inquiry spans nearly two decades and involves numerous properties. Dennis, represented by a well-known attorney connected to political figures, could not be reached for immediate comment. Meanwhile, inquiries regarding Dennis’s citizenship and personal details are still pending response from federal agencies.
