House of Prayer Christian Church Pastor Indicted on Sex Offense Charges Involving a Minor
SAVANNAH, Ga.—A federal grand jury in the Southern District of Georgia has indicted Bernadel Junior Semexant, 35, a pastor connected to the House of Prayer Christian Church of America (HOPCC), on multiple sex offense charges involving a minor. This follows the indictment of eight church members on fraud charges.
The indictment, unsealed on September 10, 2025, charges Semexant, of Hinesville and Savannah, Georgia, with:
- Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity
- Sexual Abuse of a Minor
- Transfer of Obscene Material to a Minor
- Receipt of Child Pornography
- Possession of Child Pornography
U.S. Attorney Meg E. Heap stated, “Our law enforcement partners work relentlessly to protect our most vulnerable citizens from harm and exploitation. This indictment demonstrates the continued success of those efforts.”
Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, Paul Brown, added, “The allegations in this indictment reflect a profound betrayal of trust by an individual in a position of spiritual authority. The FBI is committed to pursuing those who exploit children and ensuring they are held accountable.” The FBI is urging anyone with information about Semexant or others in positions of trust within HOPCC to come forward.
The maximum penalties for these charges range from 10 years to life imprisonment, fines of up to $250,000, and supervised release. All counts also require sex offender registration and mandatory restitution.
The indictment alleges that Pastor Semexant may have worked at various HOPCC locations across the United States. HOPCC has affiliated churches in Georgia, North Carolina, Washington, Texas, and Tennessee, among other locations.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation, with Assistant United States Attorneys Frank M. Pennington, II and Sherri A. Stephan prosecuting the case. The FBI and U.S. Attorneys Office are seeking additional information and have provided a form at fbi.gov/SEMEXANTHOPCC for those who wish to report relevant information.
Individuals experiencing or aware of ongoing victimization of minors are urged to contact local law enforcement immediately or call 911.
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” – Matthew 7:21-23
