Winston Batino was charged with wire fraud for sending money in 2025 through an electronic transfer from the church to an account he controlled, according to prosecutors.
Batino also was charged with under-reporting his income on his tax return in 2022.
Prosecutors say Batino took a total of $2 million from dozens of church members, telling them they were investing in a rehab facility that actually never existed.
Church leaders say an independent investigation found no wrongdoing on the church's part, and Batino was fired as soon as the scheme was discovered.
Allegedly used stolen money for personal expenses; gambling
Allegedly used stolen money for personal expenses; gambling
