Eight House of Prayer Leaders Indicted in Multi-Year Fraud Scheme

A federal grand jury in the Southern District of Georgia indicted eight individuals connected to the House of Prayer Christian Churches of America (HOPCC) on charges of fraud, tax violations, and sex offenses involving minors. The group's leader, using the stolen identity "Rony Denis," obtained U.S. citizenship in 2002 and founded HOPCC and its affiliate, the House of Prayer Bible Seminary. The indictment accuses Denis and his associates of a long-running conspiracy to defraud financial institutions since 2004, involving bank fraud, wire fraud, and filing false tax returns. Additionally, pastor Bernadel Semexant faces charges related to enticement and sexual abuse of a minor, as well as possession and receipt of child pornography. Authorities urge anyone with information about these individuals or the church to come forward to aid ongoing investigations. The charged individuals face severe penalties, including lengthy prison terms and substantial fines.