FBI seeks House of Prayer victims

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Several leaders of a church called House of Prayer have been arrested.

Federal investigators say they’re looking for more people who might have been victims of various crimes over the course of several years.

WTOC has been digging through two indictments that name pastors, ministers and leaders tied to House of Prayer Church.

Some of those crimes include bank fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and sexual abuse of a minor.

These indictments lay out crimes investigators believe House of Prayer church leaders carried out.

The first one names eight leaders they believe are responsible for fraud and schemes targeting veterans.

The second one names Bernadel Sexament a pastor from the coastal empire accused of enticement and sexual abuse of a minor.

“Your voice matters. Reporting your experiences may help us uncover the scope of harm and hold all those responsible accountable,” said Brian Osen, Assistant Special Agent in charge of the FBI Atlanta Division.

Investigators, now calling for victims who believe they have been impacted by any of these crimes... no matter how small.

“It takes exceptional courage to come forward, we recognize that, and the FBI and our partners will do everything we can to protect you in that endeavor,” said Osen.

After a raid and arrest Wednesday, federal authorities say they have Rony Denis, the founder of House of Prayer, behind bars.

They made several other arrests in the Augusta, Broward County, Florida and Hinesville areas which used to be the church’s headquarters.

“We will aggressively purse anyone who attempts to exploit the trust and confidence and the sacrifice that our service members have put towards and earned some of these benefits that unfortunately have been targeted and exploited,” said Ryan O’Connor, Special Agent in Charge for the Army’s Criminal Investigation Division, Southeast Field Office.

The House of Prayer was known to have more than a dozen locations across the country.

It’s long been under scrutiny by federal authorities and former members who describe it as both a scam and a cult.

If you believe you’re a victim of these crimes or want to report anything tied to this case you can go online to FBI.GOV.com/HOPCCVICTIMS or you can the FBI hotline at 1-800-CALLFBI.