Georgia Pastor Indicted on Multiple Federal Sex Offenses Involving a Minor

A federal grand jury in the Southern District of Georgia has indicted Pastor Bernadel Semexant, 35, of the House of Prayer Christian Church of America, along with eight other individuals tied to the church, on multiple sex offenses involving a minor.

The Sept. 10 indictment charges Semexant 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, and possession of child pornography.

“This indictment demonstrates the continued success of those efforts,” U.S. Attorney Megan Heapsaid in a statement, praising law enforcement’s work to safeguard vulnerable citizens.

FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown called the allegations a “profound betrayal of trust by an individual in a position of spiritual authority,” urging anyone with information about Semexant or other leaders within HOPCC to come forward.

The church has locations in several states, including Georgia, North Carolina, Washington, Texas, and Tennessee, which federal officials noted may be relevant to the investigation.

The charges carry severe penalties:

• Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity: 10 years to life in prison, a fine up to $250,000, and at least 5 years of supervised release.
• Sexual Abuse of a Minor: Up to 15 years in prison, a fine up to $250,000, and at least 5 years of supervised release.
• Transfer of Obscene Material to a Minor: Up to 10 years in prison, a fine up to $250,000, and at least 3 years of supervised release.
• Receipt and Possession of Child Pornography: Each punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a fine up to $250,000, and at least 5 years of supervised release.

Federal investigators are continuing to gather information and encourage potential victims or witnesses to reach out.