A federal grand jury in the Southern District of Georgia has indicted Bernadel Semexant, a pastor associated with the House of Prayer Christian Church of America (HOPCC), on multiple charges involving sex offenses against a minor. The indictment, unsealed on September 10, 2025, includes five counts: Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity, Sexual Abuse of a Minor, Transfer of Obscene Material to a Minor, Receipt of Child Pornography, and Possession of Child Pornography.
Semexant, age 35, is reported to have ties to both Hinesville and Savannah, Georgia. According to authorities, he may have worked at several HOPCC locations across the United States. These locations include Hephzibah and Hinesville in Georgia; Savannah, Georgia; Fayetteville, North Carolina; Tacoma, Washington; Waco, Texas; and Clarksville, Tennessee.
U.S. Attorney Heap stated: “Our law enforcement partners work relentlessly to protect our most vulnerable citizens from harm and exploitation. This indictment demonstrates the continued success of those efforts.”
Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta said: “The allegations in this indictment reflect a profound betrayal of trust by an individual in a position of spiritual authority. The FBI is committed to pursuing those who exploit children and ensuring they are held accountable. We urge anyone with information about Pastor Semexant or others in positions of trust within HOPCC to come forward—your voice matters, and you may help protect other potential victims.”
The charges carry significant penalties if convicted. Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity carries not less than 10 years up to life imprisonment along with fines up to $250,000 and at least five years supervised release. Sexual Abuse of a Minor can result in up to 15 years imprisonment and similar financial penalties as well as mandatory supervised release. The other charges—Transfer of Obscene Material to a Minor; Receipt and Possession of Child Pornography—each also carry lengthy prison terms (up to 20 years for some counts), large fines up to $250,000 per count, required registration as a sex offender upon conviction or plea agreement as well as mandatory restitution.
Federal investigators believe there may be additional victims or witnesses with information related either directly or indirectly to Semexant’s activities or other individuals serving at HOPCC facilities nationwide. The FBI requests that anyone with relevant information fill out the form at https://www.fbi.gov/SEMEXANTHOPCC.
Assistant United States Attorneys Frank M. Pennington II and Sherri A. Stephan are prosecuting the case alongside investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Officials remind the public that an indictment is only an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.