Atlanta-Area Pastors Plead Guilty To Bilking Church Members Out of Nearly $1 Million Through Promissory Notes and Fraudulent Business Ventures

ATLANTA … A multi-year investigation by the Secretary of State’s Securities Division, the Fulton County District Attorney's White Collar Crime Unit and the GBI has culminated in guilty pleas and prison terms for two church pastors sentenced in Fulton County Superior Court today.

            Mark Jackson, 43, and his wife Lisa Jackson, 45, former pastors of the Better Covenant Christian Center pleaded guilty in Fulton Superior Court today and were sentenced by Judge M. Gino Brogdon. Mark Jackson pleaded guilty to 29 counts, including violation of the Georgia racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations (RICO) act and theft by taking and received a 25-year sentence, 10 to be served in prison.

            Lisa Jackson pleaded guilty to 17 counts, including violation of the Georgia RICO act and theft by taking and was sentenced to 10 years, six to be served in prison. The RICO counts include violations of the Georgia Securities Act. Other conditions imposed at sentencing include over $1 million in restitution and the couple is prohibited from holding any position of trust, including serving as a pastor or minister, while on probation, nor may they work in the asset management or financial management field during that time.

            From 1995 to 1998, Mark and Lisa Jackson convinced nine victims—most of whom were members of their church—to “invest” money in a number of business ventures and promissory notes, which they claimed would earn high returns.  They also used their influence to convince members to secure credit cards for their use as well as a home in north Fulton’s Country Club of the South community.  The money "invested" by the victims was actually used to pay the defendants personal expenses.

            “I am extremely pleased that the court has applied serious penalties in this case. This sentence sends a powerful message to those who would prey on the trust of Georgia consumers,” said Secretary of State Cox. “Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard's White Collar Crime Unit did an outstanding job insuring that these criminals were brought to justice and that their victims receive full restitution,” Cox added.

            Affinity Fraud, or fraud directed at individuals connected by race, culture or religious beliefs, has become an increasing problem in the United States in recent years. Before investing their hard-earned money with anyone -- even trusted friends -- Georgians should call the Secretary of State's office at 404-656-3920 to make sure the offer is legitimate.