UPDATED: Federal Indictment Names Local Pastor
The pastor of the First Baptist Church of Warrenton, GA has been indicted on federal tax evasion charges. WJBF-TV News Channel 6’s Fraendy Clervaud spoke to a deacon from First Baptist Church of Warrenton, who wanted to clear the air about the charges. The deacon says, despite the news of the indictments, his pastor, Dr. Otis Hope is still a man of the cloth and he says these charges were something of the past.
The pastor of the First Baptist Church of Warrenton, GA has been indicted on federal tax evasion charges. WJBF-TV News Channel 6’s Fraendy Clervaud spoke to a deacon from First Baptist Church of Warrenton, who wanted to clear the air about the charges. The deacon says, despite the news of the indictments, his pastor, Dr. Otis Hope is still a man of the cloth and he says these charges were something of the past.
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By WJBF Staff & Donna Branch, WTHO Radio
Published: September 21, 2008
Warrenton, GA—In a federal indictment, filed on August 14, 2008 the District of Maryland accuses Dr. Otis Ray Hope of not accurately reporting close to a million dollars in earned income. It’s news that isn’t sitting well with some, in Warren County, because Dr. Hope became the pastor at First Baptist Church of Warrenton, four months ago.
Alton Johnson, deacon, First Baptists Church of Warrenton: “I just really feel for him and his family, that they were having to go through...”
Alton Johnson has been a deacon at the church, since 1988. He says the news isn’t really shocking because Pastor Hope told members of the church, in August.
Johnson: “Dr. Hope came to the deacons, as soon as he found out about it, and shared with us everything he knew it dealt (with).”
Dr. Hope faces three counts of tax evasion, and one count of subscribing to a false document. The indictment also claims Dr. Hope started the non- profit, Shiloh Ministries, where he charged for services and products. Johnson says, despite the claims, members have nothing to worry about, when it comes to church finances.
Johnson: “Dr. Hope has no access to any of the money, at this church, he cannot sign a check, he cannot withdraw funds...that’s the way we are set up.”
Johnson says the church has been a focal point in the community, and continues to spread the gospel, no matter what happens.
Johnson: “It was a little disbelief, because we all really have confidence in Dr. Hope, and we’re excited about the things that’s been going on since he’s been here.”
The charges range from 2001 to 2003. We want to thank our news partners, WTHO, and the McDuffie Mirror, for helping with this story.
Church members say they stand behind their pastor, and they say this, too, shall pass.
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Posted by ( rotk4ever ) on October 02, 2008 at 9:58 pm
I am a church member of Warrenton First Baptist Church and I do not know many people who stand behind this man. A lot have actually left the church because of him. I encourage everyone to look of Otis Ray Hope and find out who this man really is.
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Posted by ( larry ) on September 19, 2008 at 10:32 pm
It’s amazing that a Pastor gets an indictment, but a congressman gets a pass.
CHARLIE RANGEL DEMOCRAT NEW YORK
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