Federal Grand Jury Is Probing Church
Federal grand jury
is probing church
SEATTLE
A federal grand jury is investigating the Ultimate Life Church in Bellevue, which local authorities say is a front for prostitution and other sexual practices.
The grand jury's involvement was made public yesterday during a King County hearing in which prosecutors agreed to return hundreds of items that had been seized 10 months ago from the congregation, the home of the pastor and a storage locker. The items included feather dusters, massage manuals and a Bible.
Deputy Prosecutor Kate Flack said she has received a subpoena from the U.S. Attorney's office to turn over hundreds of other items that were not given back to the church.
Jay Gearon and his wife, Joleen, contend the church is being harassed because it is non-traditional.