Federal Indictment Unveils Massive Fraud at House of Prayer Christian Churches
Augusta, GA – A federal grand jury in the Southern District of Georgia has indicted eight individuals associated with the House of Prayer Christian Churches of America (HOPCC) on 26 counts including bank fraud, wire fraud, tax fraud, and conspiracy.
The indictment names Rony Denis (using a stolen identity), Anthony Oloans, Joseph Fryar, Dennis Nostrant, Gerard Robertson, David Reip, Marcus Labat, and Omar Garcia. Allegations include:
- Bank Fraud Scheme: Recruiting members as “straw buyers” to acquire properties, falsifying documents, and funneling rental income totaling over $5.2 million to themselves.
- Fraudulent VA Education Benefits: Misusing Veterans Affairs benefits through the church’s seminary (HOPBS), diverting $23.5 million in federal funds for personal enrichment.
- False Tax Filings: Denis allegedly filed inaccurate tax returns from 2018 to 2020, understating income.
The defendants allegedly manipulated congregants, forced arranged marriages and divorces, controlled housing, and maintained a list of “ex-HOPCC traitors,” punishing those who resisted. Military personnel were specifically targeted to exploit education benefits.
The maximum penalties include up to 30 years in prison and up to $1 million in fines for bank fraud, and 20 years for wire fraud.
Federal authorities, including the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, VA OIG, Department of the Army CID, and USCIS, are investigating. Victims who may have been exploited are encouraged to submit information to the FBI online at fbi.gov/HOPCCVictims.
U.S. Attorney Heap said: “This indictment alleges a scheme in which individuals betrayed the trust of church members for self-enrichment at the members’ expense.”
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patricia G. Rhodes and George J.C. Jacobs, III.
