Megachurch pastor, brother indicted for alleged business scheme

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A local megachurch pastor and his brother were indicted on Wednesday, according to the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office.

Gospel Tabernacle Church Pastor Bishop Wiley Jackson and his brother Rodney Jackson are facing eight felony counts for allegedly violating the Georgia Securities Act.

DeKalb District Attorney Robert James said the brothers misled their own church members in investing into Genesis LLC, a securities entity that was not registered by the state.

James told Channel 2's Tom Regan the men recruited members to pitch in thousands of dollars that would be used for ministry-related investments, like inspirational books, tapes and other items. But the investors didn't get a promise on their return and lost their money.

"They met with them, and one of these individuals (who invested in the business) gave as much as $10,000; the other $2,000, they invested with them and they lost their money," James explained.

James said the investment issue dates back several years, but in 2009, the accusers went to the Secretary of State's Office and learned Genesis LLC wasn't registered by the state and then reported the case to the district attorney.

Arrest warrants have been issued for the Jackson brothers.

Channel 2 Action News received the following statement from Pastor Jackson.

"I am surprised to learn of this indictment. I am out of town and cannot respond until I have read the indictment. There has been no wrongdoing," he said.

Check back for updates.

WSBTV