A husband and wife that purchased a troubled north Minneapolis gas station now find themselves in hot water.
Bishop Larry Cook and his wife Sharon are named in a lawsuit filed by Attorney General Keith Ellison, accusing the two of misusing more than $2 million meant for a pair of non-profits they operate in Minneapolis.
Ellison's office claims the Cook's used money meant for their dance studio and church to fund lavish lifestyles, luxury travel, and designer goods.
He also accuses them of obstructing the Attorney General investigation into the alleged crimes.
Back in 2023, the Real Believers Faith Center purchased Winner Gas Station on West Broadway, which is next to their church. That is the focus of the alleged $1.3 million in misused funds.
The gas station had been plagued by crime and drug issues, which had been prominent in news stories during that time period.
Now, the allegations from the AG say the gas station never was purchased by the church, and instead was purchased personally by Cook. He's accused of using the church to pay for bills, and using the profits to fund this so-called luxury lifestyle. That money was meant for their two nonprofits, according to the AG.
There are no criminal charges filed, but there is a restraining order against them which freezes assets.
Suit alleges nonprofit founders Larry and Sharon Cook unlawfully used nonprofit resources to finance a "luxury" lifestyle
Suit alleges nonprofit founders Larry and Sharon Cook unlawfully used nonprofit resources to finance a "luxury" lifestyle
