Tag Archives: Jerry Cooper

Courtroom Drama in Rutherford County (video link)

Rutherford County Courthouse Jan 2013
Courthouse Jan 4, 2013

On Friday, January 4, 2013, in the Rutherford County Courthouse; I was witness to the courtroom drama involving four Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) members and a former member, Jerry Cooper. The case stems from warrants issued after incidents which took place October 16, 2012 in Rutherford County. This case has been reported on this blog. Here is a link to the most recent post about this drama- The Present Drama(s)https://religiouscultsinfo.com/?p=5275

Let me first say I was not there for the first motion which the judge granted. That was to bar cameras from the courtroom. This stopped the local television reporter from filming what turned out to be a very long day. I did arrive in time to see several cases dispensed before getting to obviously the main case on the docket- North Carolina vs. Jason Gross, Gilbert Carmona, Chris Hall and Randy Fields. Also, I left at 2:45PM and was not able to stay for the entire proceedings, as it was sometime around 5:00PM when things were wrapped up, so I told. During my time there, I did see Jerry Cooper testify and be cross-examined. Michael Lowry testified for the State and then was crossed examined by Mark Morris with a very few questions. Now, that seemed odd since Mr. Morris was named in the initial complaint in February 2012 filed by Michael Lowry… I am no law scholar but, doesn’t that seem strange?

Continue reading Courtroom Drama in Rutherford County (video link)

The Present Drama(s) (video links)

It is certain that these last few weeks and months have been filled with events bringing Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) into the national spotlight. Monday, December 10, 2012 will serve as another chapter in the ongoing saga. An honest observer of WOFF life would be hard pressed not to admit that DRAMA is the norm in Spindale. Let’s review the drama that is in the public eye right now…

Monday, Michael Lowry was supposed to testify in front of a grand jury in Rutherford County. Just before the proceedings were to begin, Michael was standing in the hallway and noticed a WOFF church member walking in as part of the jury. The member was RM. It was reported to me that RM was clean shaven and had been decked out in a fine leather coat. Former members also noted that his wife had served in the church office and was charged with counting the offerings. What were the odds of that? A WOFF member, who has a spouse working in the church office, (or did at one time…) was picked and allowed to serve on the grand jury which was scheduled to hear a case about a former member of WOFF?

Yes, it would be a tricky maneuver to screen potential jurors based on religious affiliation. Since the influence of Jane Whaley and her group is felt far and wide in Rutherford County, does this not require a change of venue for Michael’s case in order for him to receive due process in the hearing of his complaint? The process could be moved to another county- similar to Jane’s situation a few years ago when her trial for simple assault was moved to Polk County. After the inherent weaknesses were made evident on Monday- this appears as the only option. Do you agree? If it is not moved, the next hearing will be January 9th in Rutherford County for Michael.

Here is the video link for today and one previous —–

http://www.wlos.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wlos_controversial-church-hearing-postponed-9857.shtml

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2nLX8gjBfk

Continue reading The Present Drama(s) (video links)

Former WOFF Member Charged with Trespassing

     Recently, I learned about a former member being charged with trespassing, resulting from a visit to Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF).  He went for a meeting with Jane Whaley. The events took place in the fall of 2009. The person charged with the trespassing said that he had called ahead of time to tell one of the leadership that he was coming. Since she did not tell him not to come; he pursued his plans.

     These next few paragraphs are from an email sent by Jerry Cooper, the former member at the center of these events. The paragraphs been edited to give the sequence of events and not reveal exact identities of those involved – other than Jerry, Jane Whaley and Sam Whaley.
 
     Jerry begins, “I called a couple weeks prior and talked with with B_____ and told her that I would like to come and visit  in a couple of weeks. (I don’t remember the exact month). Though I never got “permission”, B_____ never said I couldn’t. A side note: the Lord had been speaking to me for months that it was time for me to do my part take a chunk out of that stone wall. I’m in the ministry and did what I do best…I went with a word for the Lord. I heard God say, “Let My  people go so they can worship me.” Sounds a little crazy. That’s what I had to do.
 
     “A friend and I, with our two dogs in the backseat, pulled right in behind the “vans” near Jane’s office. We got out. Walked in the door and stood there. Silence. Not a soul in site. I remember kinda chuckling to myself thinking; “Whoever is on watch is gonna get it”. Out of the main office appeared R_______. (Big smile…soft voice.) He said, and I quote, “Hey Jerry, (hugged me) we were wondering if ya’ll were gonna make it or not.” He said “hello” to my friend and then walked us down the long pink hall towards the auditorium. Only one person (a lady I didn’t recognize) passed us. She staired straight at the floor. Never looked up. Never spoke.
 
     R_____ said, ” I think they’ve already started. Jane may be over there”. Through the atrium we went and bam…I was standing in the very front of WOFF in full praise and worship. It was so strange. Not one person looked at us. From all over the entire auditorium not one person was looking to see what was going on at the front door. They were singing, “I will sing praises to the Lord with all my heart…” R____ looked around. He said to me (yelling so I could hear over the noise), “Jane must still be next door. I’ll let her know you are here.” He walked out the door and left me and my friend standing there. Well, I know when opportunity knocks. I looked at my friend and said, “Pray.” I squirmed my way through several people congregated at the front, all singing loudly, hands raised, smiles, looking directly at the stage…” I stood right it front of where Jane usually sits and bent over beside me was Sam Whaley. He stood up. Looked at me. I yelled, “Hey Sam.” (had to yell to be heard). He said, “Jerry, I don’t think Jane would want you in the sanctuary without meeting with her first.” I said, “R____ brought me over.”  Instantly, I was floating. Two guys had come in behind me, lifted me off the floor and walked toward the door. Insanely enough, not one person moved, stopped singing, took there eyes off the stage…strange.