DEKALB COUNTY, Ga.,None — The DeKalb County district attorney's office confirms that it is looking into allegations against Total Grace Christian Center Bishop Johnathan Alvarado, but would not specify what those allegations are.
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But according to online records on the district attorney's office website, a case number has been assigned to the probe, as has an assistant district attorney and an investigator.
The case listing makes reference to possible "crimes against children".
Channel 2 Action News reporter Eric Philips went to Total Grace Christian Center Wednesday afternoon to try to speak with Alvarado.
"Hi, it's Eric Philips at Channel 2," he spoke into the intercom.
The staff would not open the door, telling Philips that Alvarado was not there.
"No sir, he's not available," a staff member said.
"We were just trying to find out about an ongoing investigation by the DA's office," Philips said.
"I can take your name and number and have him give you a call," a staff member replied.
It was Philips' second visit to the church.
Two weeks ago, an anonymous tip regarding possible misconduct by the bishop led Philips to the church. That time, he got inside, but was also told Alvarado wasn't there.
In between his two visits, Philips was in contact with the DeKalb County district attorney's office. A spokesman for the office sent Philips a short statement Tuesday stating "We are aware of the allegations involving Johnathan Alvarado and are looking into the matters."
According to the church's website, Alvarado began Total Grace Christian Center in 1992 after serving as minister of music at several churches in metro Atlanta, including New Birth Missionary Baptist church in Lithonia where Bishop Eddie Long is pastor.
The site states that the church has grown to 5,000 members with three local locations. Alvarado is married with three children.
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