Ga. Minister H. Kelly McKnight Jr Pleads Guilty In Mortgage Fraud Case

Mar 11, 2011 - 14:40
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Ga. Minister H. Kelly McKnight Jr Pleads Guilty In Mortgage Fraud Case
Rev. H. Kelly McKnight Jr

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- A 59-year-old Augusta minister could face up to 20 years in federal prison after he pleaded guilty to charges that he defrauded a bank in a mortgage loan application.

The Rev. H. Kelly McKnight Jr., senior pastor of Bible Deliverance Temple, broke into tears on Thursday as he told a U.S. District Court judge about the scheme.

McKnight pleaded guilty to a charge of wire fraud.

Evidence presented at a hearing showed that in 2006 and 2007, McKnight had an application submitted to Wachovia Mortgage that misrepresented his father's income, his father's intent to occupy the property and other information. The property eventually was foreclosed.

McKnight offered an apology and said he wanted to use the money to fund a ministry he operates.

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Mike Gallagher Mike Gallagher is a Georgia-based freelance journalist covering local news, community developments, and regional issues that matter most to residents across the state. Writing for Georgianewsday.com since 2016, Mike has built a reputation for clear, balanced reporting and a strong connection to the communities he serves. His work spans city council decisions, school board updates, small business features, public safety reports, and statewide policy changes. In addition to local coverage, Mike occasionally reports on state politics and national headlines, offering readers context on how broader decisions impact Georgia communities. Known for his steady, fact-driven approach, Mike prioritizes accuracy, fairness, and accessibility in every story. Whether covering a town hall meeting or breaking political developments, he aims to inform readers with clarity and integrity. Outside the newsroom, Mike remains actively engaged in Georgia’s civic landscape, always seeking the next story that shapes the state’s future.