Earlier this week, I found myself regretting that the process of justice moves so slow. It seemed to me the whole investigative process followed by the prosecution phase of the investigation(s) into Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) was taking too long. Then I had to ask myself, “Compared to what?”
Soon, I admitted that my perspective of the length of this process was skewed because of the 30-minute crime shows I have watched over the years. These shows are popular and much of the “forensic” evidence is very interesting. Reruns of these shows feature my favorite narrator- the late Peter Thomas. His voice talent has been a signature feature and fit the show extremely well.
However, in my admiration for the show, I assumed with no basis in reality; that crimes are solved quickly. This is simply not true. What was lost in many of the shows is the fact several of these episodes span many years, if not decades. Not every criminal is caught. Not every criminal receives justice to fit the crime. Some of the accused plead out to avoid the embarrassment of a public trial and get shorter sentences. The fact that these crime shows are 30 minutes with commercials has nothing to do with the difficulty of solving the crime.
As far as I know, the investigation(s) into WOFF are ongoing. We are in a process in which the length is not known. This investigation is multi-faceted and involves several levels and types of possible crimes. I create unneeded anxiousness by not taking the long view about this process.
Friends, the twists and turns which this extended path include will certainly surprise many of us. We shouldn’t expect the investigators to rush to conclusions which are hollow and not able to withstand the scrutiny of intense examination and a possible trial for the accused. It does no good to expect accurate conclusions without due process.
With my adjusted focus and tempered expectations, I continue to hope for an expeditious outcome. However, more importantly, I want the investigators to obtain the accurate information needed to bring to light each practice of this group which reflects a willful disregard for the laws of our country.
In Kent Covington’s recent guilty plea deal, he admitted to “willfully” participating in the scheme to obtain funds by filing false information. It took at least three years for this process of the Associate Press interviewing ex-members, vetting their information, allowing their attorneys to review it and then printing it. Next, the Federal Government began their process. This successful time line took much longer than 30 minutes to play out and come to this point.
My personal hopes in the ongoing investigation(s) are renewed. This past Tuesday, watching Kent Covington respectfully admit he was guilty of Count one in the Bill of Indictment helped me to hang on and gave me greater hope for 2019. How about you? Do you agree that progress has been made?
Allow me to recap a few of the changes.
February 27, 2017- the AP released their first article telling stories of “ungodly” abuse.
March 2017-
WOFF members, Frank Webster and Chris Back lose their Assistant District Attorney positions when AP articles citing ex-members accounts, accused them both of coaching and advising WOFF members how to answer investigators probing church practices.
Lori Cornelius steps away from her position in Cleveland County DSS as a result of the same AP article which says she participated in the same meetings to coach members facing investigations.
Investigations launched by Federal and State authorities in several areas of concern surrounding WOFF practices.
April 2018
Second Community Forum held for ex-members of WOFF. They tell stories of abuse and frustration.
September 2017
AP releases articles outlining unemployment scheme promoted by a few WOFF church members inside church-member owned companies which employed mostly church members.
Calls increased for review of the Compromised Settlement from June 2005 in which the Rutherford County Department of Social Services were bound by added procedures before expeditiously investigating claims of abuse inside WOFF.
November 2017
NC DHHS offers a new procedure to handle abuse claims involving WOFF-children, which if followed, will restore levels of protection previously abandoned.
May 2018
Dr. Jerry Gross and his son, Jason Gross pleaded guilty to wire fraud charges and are awaiting sentencing.
June 2018
WOFF Minister, Kent Covington pleaded not guilty to wire fraud charges related to the same scheme for which Dr. Jerry Gross and Jason Gross pleaded guilty.
Diane McKinny, WOFF member and bookkeeper for Covington also pleaded not guilty to same charges.
October 2018
Kent Covington changed his plea to guilty and being awarded a plea deal which protects his wife, Brooke from charges in the case. Jane Whaley named in court documents.
Diane McKinny is assigned a new public defender and her next court date is moved to January 7, 2019.
November 2018
A&E network set to launch a six-part series titled, “The Devil Next Door.”
Premiering Tuesday, November 27, the Devil Next Door takes a look at Spindale, North Carolina. It appears to be an average American town but hidden inside lies a church that is steeped in scandal. The Word of Faith Fellowship, led by Jane Whaley, proclaims to be a devout Christian church, but former members tell a different story: one of violence and exploitation. It’s the mission of these former members to convince those still inside, including their own loved ones and children, to break away from the Church. Is Jane’s power finally about to come to an end?
Many things have happened surrounding WOFF which were inconceivable a few years ago. The long view is positive. Do you agree?
Follow here:
Twitter – @religiouscults
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/johnhuddleauthor
YouTube- religiouscultsinfo.com
Thank you, for taking time to visit and read this blog. Please, consume the information on this site responsibly. The author is not a licensed mental health professional and encourages those that need professional help to seek it. The intent of the material is to inform and be a resource. Be sure to tell every member that you know at WOFF about this blog. There are readers at WOFF. Jane told me and Josh confirmed it.
Comments are invited from all readers, including present or former members. Polls are not scientific and no private information is gathered.
Look on the right side of any post for the option to subscribe by email for notifications or RSS feeds notifying of new postings. It is a great feature. Also, find more posts by selecting “Categories”.
Guest posts reflect the opinions of the writers. Their opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of John Huddle or any other persons affiliated with this blog.
Please, take time to read the Terms of Use for this personal blog. As mentioned, for posts written by John Huddle, any information about WOFF is from his memories and recollections as perfect as that may be or not be.
Scripture references are Amplified Version unless otherwise noted.
(Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation ) This is post number 648.
Let’s not forget the poor Brazilian community that has basically been traded for slavery at the hands of JW and her minions and all the criminal activity that is encompasses. I’m still waiting to see criminal charges filed against WOFF for breaking child labor laws, kidnapping, (that’s what I would call it if I controlled someone’s ability to leave) physical abuse, mental abuse, stealing etc….
Thank You John for your dedication to bring the truth into the light.