The pastor of the Westminster-based Church of the Healthy Self has agreed to plead guilty to federal criminal charges that he orchestrated a church-based investment scam that took in more than $33 million, United States Attorney Nick Hanna announced today.
Kent R.E. Whitney, 38, of Newport Beach, has agreed to plead guilty to a two-count information charging him with mail fraud and filing a false federal income tax return. The criminal information and a related plea agreement were filed Wednesday in United States District Court.
When Whitney enters his guilty plea, he will face a statutory maximum sentence of 23 years in federal prison.
The FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation investigated this matter. The Securities and Exchange Commission provided substantial assistance with the investigation.
Edited by Admin