Authorities added sex abuse charges to the list of crimes alleged by leaders of House of Prayer Christian Churches of America and are asking more victims to report the abuse.
FBI agents raised a West Lake mansion Wednesday and took into custody church leader Rony Denis and seven other church officials recently indicted on real estate, veterans benefits and tax fraud charges.
Thursday, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia announced the five-count indictment of House of Prayer pastor Bernadel Sexamant, 35, of Hinesville, for sex crimes involving a minor.
At a news conference in Augusta, FBI Special Agent in Charge Brian Ozden said the investigations’ next phase is seeking justice for those who were harmed by the church and asked victims to come forward.
The agencies know “individuals and families were manipulated, exploited and silenced by this organization,” Ozden said. “We want to let them know we see you and we’re here for you.”
Ozden asked anyone who had contact with House of Prayer Christian Churches of America or House of Prayer Bible Seminary who believes their personal information, benefits or finances were misused to please come forward.
They can report information to the FBI at fbi.gov/HOPCCVictims or call 800-CALL-FBI.
In addition, the agency is seeking additional victims of Sexamant, who may include minors, he said. Report it at FBI.gov/semexantHOPCC or call, he said.
