Virginia

Virginia Pastor Gets 8 Years for $2 Million Fraud Scheme

Terry and Brenda Millender recruited investors by emphasizing its Christian mission while promising guaranteed returns

What to Know

  • The defendants operated a company that claimed to help poor people in developing countries, prosecutors said.
  • They are accused of using investors' money for personal reasons, including payments toward a $1.75 million house.
  • The senior pastor of Victorious Life Church in Alexandria and his wife were convicted in December 2017.

A Northern Virginia pastor has been sentenced to eight years in prison for a $2 million fraud scheme that victimized members of his congregation and other clergymen.

A jury convicted 54-year-old Terry Millender, the former senior pastor of Victorious Life Church in Alexandria, on multiple fraud counts in a 2017 trial. A jury also convicted his wife, Brenda Millender, on some counts and acquitted her on others before a judge vacated all counts against her.

According to court records, Terry Millender recruited investors by saying he would use Nigerian oil deals to finance micro-loans to African entrepreneurs that would provide a high rate of return.

In reality, he used the money to conduct high-risk day trades and finance the purchase of a $1.75 million home.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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