Bakker Is Convicted on All Counts; First Felon Among TV Evangelists (Published 1989)
- Jim Bakker found guilty of fraud and conspiracy for bilking followers out of $158 million.
- Ministry funds diverted to finance a lavish lifestyle including Mercedes, Rolls-Royces, and an air-conditioned dog house.
- Judge compares Bakker's fanatical base to the suicidal followers of Jim Jones.
- Bakker faces up to 120 years in prison and $5 million in fines for the massive pyramid scheme.
Brief Summary
The televangelist empire has officially crumbled. A federal jury convicted Jim Bakker on all 24 counts of fraud and conspiracy, effectively ending his reign as the head of the PTL Ministry. Prosecutors successfully painted a picture of a man who traded salvation for cash, selling thousands more 'lifetime' vacation partnerships than he could possibly accommodate, all while siphoning millions to fund a life of obscene luxury.
Why This Matters
This verdict serves as a cold wake-up call for anyone who confuses a charismatic television personality with a moral authority. When you open your wallet based on televised promises, you are participating in a financial transaction, not a religious one. This case underscores that the law does not care about your pulpit or your piety; if you use the mail or the phone to lie your way into someone else's bank account, you are not a minister—you are a criminal. Keep your eyes open and your checkbook closed when the person on the screen starts promising heaven in exchange for a donation.