A pastor and his wife have been arrested after eight people with disabilities were reportedly held in the couple’s basement against their will.
RELATED STORIES: Pastor Mike Todd Trends As Social Media Reacts To Him Wiping His Spit On Man’s Face During Sermon
Curtis Bankston,55, and his wife Sophia,55, were arrested earlier this week after police discovered eight individuals, aged between 25 and 65, were found in their basement. First responders arrived at the home in Griffin after receiving a call about a person having a seizure and attempted to climb through the basement window since the door was dead-bolted shut. Shortly after, police were called to the home.
Authorities said all of the victims in the basement have mental and/or physical disabilities and the couple kept them in the room for certain hours during the day. Additionally, the couple operated an unlicensed group home and disguised it under the name One Step Of Faith 2nd Chance Church, listing Curtis as the pastor.
RELATED STORIES: Pastor Faces 20 Years In Prison For Using PPP Loan To Purchase 39 Cars
The property was leased for a year and two months and the couple controlled the finances of the eight victims. Police also said they have been denied medical care and required medications.
The couple has been charged with false imprisonment and the victims have been placed under the care of the Department of Human Services. Curtis has denied the charges as per his attorney Dexter Wimbish.
“At no time was anybody held against their will. There was no kidnapping,” Wimbish said. “There is no fraud here. This is simply a Christian man who was following his calling to help those who are in need. We cannot sit by and allow ministry to be attacked.”
SOURCE: New York Post