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![]() Testimonials | Letters | News | Rants | Forums | Submit A Testimonial | Front Page Archives | Podcasts | Recent Comments | Live Chat | Printer Friendly Version Ex-bishop gets 18 months for fraud .: posted 8/31/2005 ::: by .:webmaster:. ::: EmailThis! » ![]() BY NATASHA KORECKI Federal Courts Reporter They just heard that the bishop who stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from their church was headed for prison. But it was as if they had been told a family member had died. They held hands, sobbed, hugged and broke into song and prayer as the news of William Ellis' prison sentence swept over the sea of congregants that stuffed into a federal courtroom and overflowed into a courthouse hallway Tuesday. They later stood in line to pay their tearful respects to Ellis, 62, former bishop of the Apostolic Pentecostal Church of Morgan Park, who was sentenced to 18 months in prison. Owes IRS $165,000 He had pleaded guilty to felony tax fraud charges and admitted taking $1,000 a month from weekly collections. The feds say he stole $520,000 from 1996 to 2001 and owes the IRS about $165,000. They say he used church money to buy a second Mercedes Benz, even though the church already had given him a Mercedes for church business. They say he paid off his personal credit card debt and life insurance premiums with church money and racked up personal expenses on the church's American Express card. Ellis was unemotional for most of his sentencing hearing, but when U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman handed down the sentence, Ellis, who had begged the judge for mercy and asked for no jail time, broke. "Jesus," he muttered, then began crying. Ellis earlier vowed he would never break the law again. "I'm sorry, I'm deeply crushed and humiliated by this act I have committed," Ellis told Gettleman. Gettleman said he didn't enjoy sending Ellis to prison. 'We love Bishop Ellis' "Cheating on taxes is a very serious matter," Gettleman said. "There's a way to do good deeds [with] church collections but it's not from skimming it off the top, putting it in your pocket," and deciding how to spend it. After Gettleman recessed court, Ellis sank in his chair at the defense table and sobbed with a clenched hand pressed against his face. He sat there for at least 15 minutes as his supporters surrounded him and hugged him. As he left the courthouse, one woman slowly shook her head and began to sing "Thank you Jesus, thank you." Another woman joined her as a third held her hand to her mouth and wept loudly. Trying to keep away news cameras as Ellis left the downtown Dirksen Federal Building, his supporters formed a human chain, grasping one another's arms in a protective huddle around Ellis and slowly inching their way across the lobby in a giant mass. Many wore "We love Bishop Ellis" buttons. Ellis, who is small in stature, was well hidden. Outside, some of the 200-plus congregants flew into a brief melee, at one point shoving a Chicago Sun-Times photographer and later a television camerawoman. The crowd poured off the sidewalk and onto Dearborn Street, briefly blocking traffic as Ellis got into a cab. They are the very people Ellis admitted stealing from. But one churchgoer, Annie Bond, said his lifetime of good works and love for the community outweighed any money he took. The congregation had forgiven Ellis but stripped him of his bishop status for three years. That should be his penance, they said; jail time was unnecessary. 'We will always be with him' "What man can say he is without sin?" Bond asked. "We will support him, and we will always be with him." "He is a lovable man," said another supporter, David Foster. "He gives up his heart to everyone." Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Kubiatowski said the outpouring of support for Ellis made the case difficult. But he said Ellis' actions were nonetheless illegal. "It doesn't matter what your status is in the community," Kubiatowski said. "You still have an obligation to pay taxes." Add this page to: 40 Comments: wrote: Well the 7th circuit court of appeals ruled against this felon. After spending tens of thousands of dollars of the churches money on legal fees to try to save his rotten carcas, the judges saw through his crap. If you want to hear the proceedings and see the paperwork goe to the 7th circuit court of appeal website. He is such a fraud. Alifetime of good deeds????? What? Laying up with any woman who would have him? Conning widows and the poor? The money this fraud spent on his legal could have paid the heating bills and bought food for many families for an entire year. To the mindless ones who still think he is a martyr, he knew what he was doing. Since 1997 he ignored the advice of CPA's tax accountants, and Bishop's who pleaded with him to stop stealing. Anyone who chose to advise him was ostracized by this Jim Jones. There are dozens of mindless people who remain with him who if he asked them to dump, they would squat, grunt, and ask what color. It's good to see that those who stood for right will be vindicated. posted: June 13, 2006 EST wrote: Upon hearing this news it sadden my heart and I pray for the Bishop and for the families who was hurt in this process. I am just glad that he (Bishop Ellis) was exposed and that it was revealed before the more worse could have happened and that was to die in sin. God is able to forgive and heal even in this situation. My heart goes out to the people of God who was wounded by this. Our enemy is not each other our enemy is the devil who is behind every evil work! Come on people of God and remember what we war against! posted: July 07, 2006 EST wrote:
I wrote an article on the tithing doctrine. Many ministers who teach tithing are sincere and do not misuse the money in the manner cited by the court here, but this shows another reason why there should be protections for the poor and elderly against the teaching of this false doctrine. People have to admit that there are those who will distort the Word of God for their own personal gain. I do not know the Bishop and I am certain that God has forgiven him if he has asked for such forgiveness. God's mercy is and has alwas been based on grace and not by works--including tithing. I pray for him and his family-including that he will come out of this experience a stronger Christian. God will bring him through this difficult time. I wish he could read my article. posted: July 26, 2006 EST .:webmaster:. wrote:
Yes, and there are many, many Christians who would take the exact opposite stance, always based on the Babble (Bible), of course. posted: July 26, 2006 EST wrote: Time is what rule every event in ones life we were born TIME live TIME die TIME TIME is what measure every conceivable experience under the sun these events come or enter our lives at WILL and we have no control over their arrivals or departures .THE ability to break worry and strife in our lives is not a decision we can freely make even though we have taught that we can we can will it but we cannot perform it .To have joy peace freedom is a gift from GOD EZEIKEL 28 TELLS US THAT SATAN WAS OK UNTIL SIN WAS FOUND IN HIM SAMSON WAS OK UNTIL WHAT WAS IN HIM CAME OUT WHAT ABOUT DAVID A MAN AFTER GOD/S HEART PETER WALKED ON WATER SAMSON MADE THE SAME MISTAKES UNTIL HE DIED ADAM MRS EVE EVEN ELIJAH WAS A MAN ALSO DID GREAT WORKS ALL I AM SAYING WHATEVER IS WRITTEN IN YOUR SCRIPT YOU WILL DO . ADAM AND MRS EVE DID WHAT WAS FOUND IN THEM WE ALL WILL DO WHATEVER WAS WRITTEN FOR US TO DO GOOD OR EVIL BISHOP E. ONLY DID WHAT WAS WRITTEN FOR HIM TO DO AND SO WILL YOU . CAN ANY ONE OR TWOPROVE ME WRONG ???. TIME posted: September 11, 2006 EST wrote:
Kim said: posted: September 12, 2006 EST Jermaine wrote: All I have to say is that Bishop is still a Man of God.He was given the annointing by God and the title by man. Which is greater.That's why you ought to keep your mouth off the Annointed or judgemnet shall follow you. I don't even know him but I have enough sense not judge an annointed one for all have sinned even you that will read this.Just think of David,that was a sin that couldn't be undone.He had a man killed,which couldn't be fixed and committed adultery which couldn't be undone.BUT MOST OF ALL GOD STILL LOVED HIM AND HE WAS USED MIGHTYLY.God Bless posted: October 26, 2006 EST wrote: Jermaine, I think you may be wrong. Who said that he was a man of God?? You?? Jesus said that a tree is known by it's fruit. Jesus said that many false prophets shall arise and deceiva many, but BY THEIR FRUIT SHALL YOU KNOW THEM. Don't mistake oratorical skill for the anointing. There are many people that have oratory skill, but their lives don't back up their speech. You Don't know him, but I did, personally. The fruit of his ministry is broken homes, divorces, fraud, deceit, adultery, etc. If the case had gone to trial, much about his character, or lack thereof, would have come out. Why is it that lying adulterous men that call themselves preachers want to compare themselves to David? Ellis is no David!! He's a lot more like a man named Mr. Jones. Jim Jones to be exact. posted: January 10, 2007 EST wrote: preacha...I can't seem to hear the proceedings...can u give me step by step instructions on how to pull this up? I'm curious to see what my leader is really about. posted: January 16, 2007 EST wrote:
Go to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals website, click on opinions. To pull up case information type in the name Ellis under last name. When the information comes up, there are two options, one is for an audio of the appeal before the 7th Circuit, the other is for a transcript of the Appelate Courts ruling. You must have windows media player. posted: January 16, 2007 EST wrote: preacha: I hate to sound dumb...but what is the website address??? I've tried but it seems to give me the run around. posted: January 17, 2007 EST .:webmaster:. wrote: I think this is the link preacha was talking about: Click Here posted: January 17, 2007 EST .:webmaster:. wrote: Here is the mp3 of the argument: Click Here posted: January 17, 2007 EST wrote:
Preacha: posted: January 17, 2007 EST wrote: Unfortunately I know so much because I was there. I had been a member of that church for 15 years before he got there. I was amoung those that told him years ago (1997)that what he was doing was illegal and that he could go to jail, but obviously he chose to ignore. I was amoung over a dozen people who had to testify before a Grand Jury in this case. Actually, he is supposed to report to prison sometime this month to start serving his 18 months. What's most disturbing is that we are discussing this on a website for ex-christians. Ellis' actions are the very reason many people give for abandoning the church or not wanting to have anything to do with it in the first place. The sick thing is that he wants to act like he is a victim. posted: January 18, 2007 EST wrote:
To Jermaine, There's a book written just for the intensive purpose to forgive men it's called the Bible. posted: January 18, 2007 EST wrote: This is a pretty sad case...especially for those who want to join a church and don't know what to believe. Does anyone know if the son was charged as well? posted: January 18, 2007 EST wrote: No, the son wasn't charged. He (the youngest) pretty much wasn't around. while most of this was taking place. By the way, which son? But none of them were charged. posted: January 19, 2007 EST wrote:
I understand that a lot of people are now bitter towards Pator Ellis, however, I feel that if you can parade in joy and be happy for Michael Jackson, who messed with children, then you can forgive this man of GOD!! posted: January 19, 2007 EST wrote:
You know, I dont understand our people some times. We always stab each other in the back and are always against each other for whatever reasons. People get caught up all the time doing illegal shit. I know Mr. Ellis is a man of God and has a tital that goes along with his name, but forgivness is a must. We hear about people every day doing fucked up shit, worst than what he did, and we will never think twice about it. Well, think twice about this situation. NO ONE is perfect, NO ONE!!! He will sit down for while, get his head and thoughts together, and come out a new man. posted: January 19, 2007 EST wrote:
TO PREACHA: posted: January 19, 2007 EST wrote:
you say he's done good deeds?? I guess so, he had the money to do the things you mentioned...how???? by the money he was stealing.----So get a life you dummy! But that's between him and God. So if you with Ellis or against Ellis, you are still commenting on an ex-christian website. So what does that say about you...Look in your own mirror!!!!!!!!!!!! posted: January 19, 2007 EST wrote: I know he has stolen money from the church, but dont forget (you dummy)he has money besides what he took. Dont get me twisted!! I am not agreeing to the crime he commited, but until you are in a situation like he is in, you cant say shit!!You are on the outside looking in, and judging him. Who are you to judge? I have been in a situation similar to what he is in, so I know how it feels from both ends. You??????? I know what type of site I am on, and I feel that I have to defend him, because you people on the board suck!! Just like Black people, so quick to talk shit about other people and never look at you damn self. You never stole from anyone??? If you answered no, quit lying. No difference. posted: January 22, 2007 EST wrote:
The car notes and light bills etc. were for women that he was maintaining a relationship with or trying to get a relationship with. There is a huge misnomer that this guy did lots of good works. He did not. He never came out of his pocket personally with money for anyone (other than a woman). He would put large amounts of money in the offering (as a big front) and then have it returned to him later. Classic con artist. posted: January 22, 2007 EST wrote:
Preacha----> you sound as if you really knew him. You are probly just a big ass hater, that wish you could have gotten half the shit he had. Yes, people like you are known as "HATERZ"!!! posted: January 22, 2007 EST wrote:
To Anon 1/22: posted: January 23, 2007 EST wrote: The only people who can really said something are the ones who were there. I was there long before he came--15 yrs. It was nice for the first 5yrs he was there, I guess he was setting us up,wheeling us in, smooth us with his words.But the last 5yrs was a scene out of terrible nightmare. I must admitt I was caught-up with his way of preaching, but I had to stop shouting and open my ears. Any preacher who cause division among the Saints of God to make themself look-good is wrong. He just did not only stole money, but he broke-up relationship,freindship and our church family. We had a loveing caring church. I had never seen witchcarft perform on this large scale as it was and still is .He would call people who did not agree with or read any paper about his case the Enemies. This is because he did not want anyone to find out the truth--he did not tell us anything. We found out when the news reported it. WOW, what a way to hear this about your pastor.All the lies he told us and then he try to put the blame on other people. I am sad that I had to leave my church, but I could not sit under him any longer. My advice for anyone who knew what was going on and still going on GET OUT. Why sit under someome who is using the church money to pay his court fees, but will not have a business meeting to see how much the debet the church is really in. posted: January 25, 2007 EST wrote: anonymous, you're still not free, you're looking for another church where the preacher is not a crook, but they are all crooks, when a preacher takes money to preach he's a crook. He's getting paid while you set there and listen to his garbage, it should be you that gets paid to sit there and listen to that bullshit. posted: January 25, 2007 EST wrote: I am free as I can be. Know one made me leave, I did it with much prayer. Yes, there is mess everywhere, but some mess I do not have to put up with. posted: January 25, 2007 EST wrote:
To Anon 1/25; posted: January 25, 2007 EST wrote: I bet we do know each other. It is a shame that our church is going through this mess( I still love the spirit APC once had and miss it greatly).Do not get me wrong I love my new church and it reminds me of home,but it is not the place where I got SAVED AT.Everything must and will come to an end.He needs much,much,much prayer. Most of all he needs to REPENT. Not just for stealing Gods money but for the lives mess-up here and in Texas too. For the scattering of the Real Saint who ran for their spiritual lives.We are not his enemy and never was. If he want to know who his enemy is, all he has to do is look in the mirror! We try to help him but greeded took over. My prayer is that the members eyes are open and binded that spirit of witchcraft so that they too can become free! posted: January 25, 2007 EST wrote: is this sicko locked up yet?? Its Feb and he was supposed to turn himself in Jan. posted: February 01, 2007 EST wrote: REMEMBER JUDGE NOTHING BEFORE TIME PLESE GO BACK AND CHECK COMMENT ABOUT TIME EVERYTHING WAS WRITTEN BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD DID ADAM AND EVE REALLY HAVE A WILL OR CHOICE WHAT ABOUT SAMSON DAVID PAUL PETER JUDAS JABCOB ESSAU ABRAHAM WHEN HIS WIFE TOLD HIM TO TAP THE BOND WOMAN JONA MARY WNAT ABOUT SOLOMON MOSES RAHAB SARAH LAUGN AND LIED THAT SHE DID NOT TO THE CREATOR ANNAIAS AND HIS WIFE LIED AND DIED AND MANY MORE AND YOU AND ME WE DO NOT NO WHAT IS IN US UNTIL IT HAPPEN posted: February 12, 2007 EST wrote: Stop yelling, you idiot. -Wes. posted: February 12, 2007 EST wrote: Why is it these goofs post in all caps?? -Wes. posted: February 12, 2007 EST .:webmaster:. wrote:
To Wes: posted: February 12, 2007 EST wrote:
TO ANON 2/12. posted: February 13, 2007 EST Still A Member wrote: I love Bishop Ellis and I'm still a member!! Who are you people that say you are saved by the grace and mercy of God? Did you read some of the bible and leave the rest? Who are you? Who are you hiding behind words that are not filter through love and forgiveness? Who are you? That claim you are worthy and ready to take your place in Kingdom. That sits in God’s church and proclaims that he is Lord? But you have brought added shame to the church of the living God. For a brother in Christ fell and you disgrace our salvation by show us that godly love does not abide. Who are you? To sit on your man made throne and point your unclean finger in shame! Your tongue has laid the foundation for your own judgement. posted: February 19, 2007 EST keke wrote: hey PREACHA this is keke why are you being such a crown hiding behind a code name. who the hell are you? posted: February 21, 2007 EST wrote:
To Still a Member: posted: April 20, 2007 EST Post a Comment | Create a Link | Post in the Forums | Permalink Quickly catch up on comments posted to various articles on http://exchristian.net by clicking here. Keep track of comments on this topic with |
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