More problems for local mega church

Set Text Size SmallSet Text Size MediumSet Text Size LargeSet Text Size X-Large
Share
Updated: 8/17/2011 11:03 am
FLEMING ISLAND, Fla. -- Action News has uncovered new information about a church whose pastor is accused of videotaping women.

Pastor Greg Neal was a man people tell us they trusted. "They were like a second family. I looked up to him," one former member told Action News. Former church members are now speaking out about the troubles at the Berean Baptist Church, even though they say they're worried about threats from church leaders.

"It's a dictatorship, a cult. It's how they keep people under control," said one former member. "I was informed if I wasn't on the side of the preacher, he'd shoot me," said another former member.

Action News was the first to tell you the details of an investigation into Pastor Neal. He's accused of videotaping women while changing their clothes in the church. Even though police say there was "overwhelming" evidence, we've learned they can't charge Neal because the tape surfaced 10 years after it happened. "Doesn't matter. God knows what's going on. He'll pay for it," said one former member.

Action News has uncovered even more trouble within the church. In June of 2010, the Berean Baptist Church filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Action News found paperwork showing, they're six and a half million dollars in debt. Former church members tell Action News they gave the church a lot of money over the years. They want to know where it went. The paperwork Action News obtained shows the church is reorganizing, trying to find a way to pay off those debts.

People we talked with believe it's just part of another cover up. "I trusted them. I've been deceived like many others," said one former member.

Action News has tried to contact the church several times, but we were told to leave the property and our phone calls have not been returned.
Share
27 Comment(s)
Comments: Show | Hide

Here are the most recent story comments.View All

The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of Action News Jacksonville

GuyFawkesV - 11/29/2012 10:40 PM
0 Votes
First Bank has reduced the asking price for the Berean compound from $5,995,000.00 listed in April 2012 to $4,700,000.00 now. http://www.loopnet.com/Listing/17599326/4459-US-Highway-17-Fleming-Island-FL/

Seekandfind - 9/25/2011 4:10 PM
1 Vote
An "Order Resetting Foreclosure Sale" was filed with the Clay County Clerk Office. The order states: "This case is before the Court on the Motion of Plaintiff First Bank to reset a foreclosure sale; it is ORDERED the Clerk of the Court shall sell the property described in the foreclosure judgement entered in this case by public auction for cash on November 15, 2011 at 10:00am at the front enterance to the Clay County Courthouse, 825 N. Orange Ave., Green Cove Springs, Florida. The sale shall be in accordance with Chapter 45, Florida Statutes. Dated this 22nd day of September, 2011, at Green Cove Springs, Florida. **signed** Circuit Judge"

Seekandfind - 9/16/2011 10:50 PM
1 Vote
ORDER LIFTING AUTOMATIC STAY This case is before the Court upon the Affidavit of Lance Paul Cohen, attorney for First Bank ("Movant"), showing that the Omnibus Order granting adequate protection of May 10, 2011, is in default because the Debtor has failed to make the payment that was due on September 1, 2011. Debtor failed to file a response within the prescribed time period and; It is ORDERED: 1. The automatic stay imposed by 11 U.S.C. §362 is lifted as to Movant and it may proceed with the foreclosure and sale of the following property: Lots 13 and 14, Block 3 of ORANGE PARK ACRES, according to the Plat thereof as recorded In Plat Book 4, Pages 69 - 70 of the Public Records of Clay County, Florida. Parcel No: 330426-013132-000-00 2. This Order is entered for the sole purpose of allowing Movant to obtain an in rem judgment against the property and Movant shall not seek an in personam judgment against the Debtor. Dated, September 15 ,2011, in Jacksonville, Florida . JUDGE Paul M GLENN (Signed) Copies furnished to: Debtor Brad Markey, Attorney for Debtor Lance P. Cohen, Attorney for Movant U. S. Trustee PAUL M. GLENN Chief United States Bankruptcy Judge Rule 1007(d) Twenty Largest Unsecured Creditors and Parties In Interest

tylerrabenold - 8/28/2011 5:06 PM
2 Votes
a sermon about an individual who was investigating him and could write a novel on fornication, that sermon was about me and a conversation that I had with David Wright, who is a low down lying sorry disgrace for a human, and when I confronted Tom he lied. Then later I was told that David was talking about our confrontation and openly declared it was about me. So my point is the only way that she could know anything about me in that way is from the Neals and their dishonest evil ways of gossip. eventually the owner made Amy leave and Jennie called the police who after taking statements said that it was not the first incident from that church. So there you have a family who I have known for years a women that has said I am like a son is just listening to and believing gossip about myself that she has no problem spouting off to my wife in public. This is the work of the devil and is serving to hinder the work of Christ by proving that the ones who stayed in the face of this event are crazy. I called Terry Harris who would not even speak to me, I can only guess that he is ashamed of his wife’s ridiculous behavior.

tylerrabenold - 8/28/2011 5:06 PM
3 Votes
So I am posting to let all from Berean know that to come near my family especially when I am not around is a giant mistake. I know Tom, for he no longer warrants the respect of even a Mr., has told you to punch us "non"-believers if you see us on the street. I also know that this very day Jennie was with my dad and two of our children eating at Mojo's. I also know that Tom, Greg and their usual entourage but also including Amy Harris. Jennie who still considers herself a friend to Beatrice tried to catch her eye to make a joking face and that was it. So after being totally ignored by this person who we have helped when she is sick. I have even given her rides when she was without transportation. "B" loves our smallest Max and we let he love on him. So through this whole thing to see this dear friend not even acknowledge that Jennie was alive and in the same room kind upset Jennie a bit. So when the Neal entourage left Jennie could no longer keep her peace. So she addressed "B" from across the room and asked if she did not know who she was. They left without a word. Then re-enters Amy Harris who thinks it is necessary to confront Jennie about her comments to "B". Keep in mind my small children are there at the same table. So as Amy proceeds to lecture Jennie on why she is wrong and how they are the one standing up for right by defending liars and perverts. Jennie tells at first to mind her own business but Amy will not let it go. the situation quickly escalates Jennie never leaves her seat but eventually knocks Amy's hand bag on the ground and tells her to pick up her items and leave. In the midst of this argument Amy says something very strange. Mind you I am in Brunswick at work but she decides to bring me into this and makes the comment that she needs to worry about herself and her husband and whatever girlfriend I have this week. Now a while ago I had an issue with internet pornography that almost ruined my family. The Sunday before we left Berean Tom preached a

crusader1995 - 8/24/2011 4:20 PM
4 Votes
I went to college with Greg Neal and went to High School with his wife. It's a sick personality cult that has ruined countless lives over the years. God is finally exposing them!

HaySeed - 8/22/2011 9:46 PM
3 Votes
I just heard on the TV that one of the victims is gonna talk tonight.

nomorekool aid - 8/19/2011 4:30 PM
1 Vote
I guess it's old news now Capricious.

Capricious - 8/19/2011 7:24 AM
1 Vote
odd, all the stations have stopped doing any follow up stories.

LongGone - 8/18/2011 9:05 AM
1 Vote
There's a fatal flaw in that guy's head PERIOD. His best hope is an insanity plea now, not so far fetched with his delusions of grandeur and all, seeing things that aren’t there, not seeing things that are there, living in his own little world where he is king and all his loyal subject bow to him and do his bidding
Inergize Digital This site is hosted and managed by Inergize Digital.
Mobile advertising for this site is available on Local Ad Buy.