No happy faces 

I heard the rumors of Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) deciding for a big turnout for today’s sentencing hearing in Asheville. When I pushed the courtroom door open, I saw approximately 50 WOFF members. The few that turned to see me did not have a smiley face. In fact, I saw very few smiles on any of the members during the session. Jerry Gross and his wife along with Jason on his wife displayed pleasant looks, but the others seemed solemn and emotionless.  

I headed for the back row, which at the time was empty. Soon, others filtered in including Keith Reno who took a seat close to me. He acted as if he wanted to read my notes. Can you say awkward? 

Though I will miss listing some since I did not recognize the back of everyone’s head; here is a partial list. Sam Whaley, Gerald and Linda Southerland, Tim Schlabach (no camera) Logan and his wife, Kevin Van Camp and his wife, Ray and Kay Dixon (Ray smiled, as always), Mark and Suzanne Doyle, Ann Cable, Robert and Marsha Lowry, Lisa Brown, Willis and Mary Lang, Denise Davies and Ramona Hall. This is just a partial list. Notable ones missing: Jane Whaley, Brooke Covington, Jayne Caulder, Karel Reynolds, Ray Farmer. 

The hearing started on time. Judge Martin Reidinger began by addressing the question of recusal. For the record, he listed Hannah Davies (not by name) as his law clerk for a period of 2014-2015. He then recited WOFF events he attended including the Holocaust Museum and the speaking engagement October 2015 at Cleveland Community College. After the disclosure, he asked the three attorneys present if they had any objections or concerns about his choosing to not recuse. All three verbally agreed to his continuing as Judge.  The show would continue.  

After a couple of procedural issues setting the stage for the joint hearing, he began with Jason Gross. Judge Reidinger reviewed what had led us to the point. He asked Jason if he remembered pleading guilty to the charges and signing the Factual Basis. As Jason affirmed his guilty status from May of last year, I wondered if any of the WOFF members were hearing this for the first time.  

Judge, “Jason Gross, do you still plead guilty?” 

Jason, “Yes.” 

The Judge then led Jerry through the same steps. He was reviewing the grounds for the guilty plea and giving each an opportunity to raise any questions or concerns. He was thorough and yet, kind and deliberate.  

Judge, “Jerry Gross, do you still plead guilty?” 

Jerry, “Yes.” 

There was not much movement in the gallery. Court officials and some attorneys moved about, but those sitting and watching the drama unfold stirred very little. My pen seemed loud as I wrote on my note cards. Soon, Keith lost interest in my scribblings and appeared to be listening to the Judge.  

The exact amount of restitution came up as a matter to clarify. After brief discussion, the amount of $162,276 was agreed. Also, a motion to reduce the starting guideline for each defendant was reviewed. The Judge agreed to reduce the start level for both to 8 to 14 months. This was before any other considerations. During this discussion, we heard that Jason and Jerry gave “substantial assistance” to the investigators. US Attorney Bradley confirmed this.   

Next, each attorney for Jerry and Jason was allowed time to argue their view on modifying or reducing the sentence. It was plain at the point that each attorney was laying it all out. Each presented every admirable quality and act of benevolence their client had ever provided. Not every act was related to WOFF, but several were.  

Jerry has the “utmost respect for the law.”  Each had several thousand dollars on hand to credit toward their restitution- today.  

Each defendant could add anything they felt the Judge needed to know before he delivered the sentence. While Jason’s plea was shorter than his father’s, both accepted responsibility for their deeds. They were courteous and respectful, as one should be when facing this moment.  

By 10:45, Judge Reidinger was ready to deliver his remarks before passing sentence. I will not be able to recount all the Judge included in his remarks. A few of the highlights: (paraphrased and may not be in time order) 

The Judge acknowledged in considering the sentence, he considered incarceration and the unlawful conduct. He recognized there were other defendants in this case who were to come before the Court.  

The Judge remarked; I find this case troubling. Two men who have led exemplary lives with many years of service. One is a doctor. Yet, they both confess to stealing taxpayer money. I have trouble reconciling the good (in their lives) versus the atheist behavior.  

If the loss had been $31 dollars higher, the sentencing guidelines would have increased notably, which could result in serious imprisonment. 

As a Judge, I am charged with fashioning a sentence to fit the crimes. A sentence to send a message to others that this behavior is not tolerated.  

He asked Jason to stand. He then sentenced Jason Gross to three years of probation with eight months of in-home monitoring. He can go to work, church and medical appointments. There were additional stipulations including fees and the restitution.  

After finishing with Jason, he asked Jerry to stand. Judge Reidinger pronounced a three-year probation with five months of in-home monitoring. The same list of stipulations for Jerry as was with Jason. 

In closing remarks, the Judge revealed he considered Jason more culpable than Jerry. He believed they were “misguided rather than greedy.” He “seriously considered the maximum term of incarceration. I found the defense counsel’s suggestion too weak…” 

This case for the Judge was “hard to understand… It pains me to see cases like this…”  

He told each of them they could appeal the sentence within 14 days and to check with the parole officer before they left the building. The parole started today.  

Included in his remarks to both defendants, he said that with the support of those in the gallery behind you, I don’ think you will repeat this behavior. They will forgive and accept you and for that you are fortunate.  

It was those closing remarks which reveal so much about what Judge Reidinger finds “hard to understand…” He has no idea of the dark, deceptive and destructive dynamics lived out daily, which led Jason and Jerry to deny any small voice warning them that they were breaking the law. Judge Reidinger will continue to find difficulty in understanding this case and Kent’s and Dianne’s; unless he acknowledges that the shiny surface and veneer over the faithful members is only that- a façade.  

In the case before the Gross’, he seemed adept and masterful at summarizing and helping the young lady convicted of meth distribution. Those were familiar grounds to him.   

These cases in which the “nexus” is WOFF include honest appearing folks who have relinquished their individual moral compass. In order to “understand” them, it requires a broad understanding of undue influence, religious controls and spiritual chicanery.  

Until he separates himself from that which he thinks he knows about WOFF, their members, their leader and life inside; he will continue to swim in the dark. He will continue to consider those “in the courtroom gallery” a “help” and not at least, in one sense or another, part of the black hole bending normal light into utter spiritual deception and darkness.  

Next week, we will witness another chapter of WOFF history. Today, there was no open rejoicing of members at the sentence handed down. For those few who may know more about Kent’s indictment, I believe there should be more caution with next week’s hearing. Reidinger labeled Jason as “more culpable,” – how much more will the Judge consider Kent’s involvement.    

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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.  

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(Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation) This is post number 659.