Accused Cleric Tells of Real Estate Riches
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A fundamentalist preacher accused of fraud in financial dealings with a former parishioner acknowledged in Orange County Superior Court on Friday that he has assets worth $3.7 million, including 22 properties, and $671,000 in cash.
The Rev. Marion McCandless, whose church salary was $62,000 last year, also said he believes his ministry is at an end, regardless of the verdict in the suit against him.
“I’ve been made to . . . look like a crook. I’ve been made to look like I steal,” said McCandless, 54, of the Westminster Community Church of the Nazarene.
The glimpse into McCandless’ finances came in the third day of trial in the lawsuit filed by Sara Battenschlag, 49, a former parishioner who said McCandless persuaded her to give him $100,000 to invest, promising a 100% return within a year. She said McCandless never paid back the money. Her suit alleges fraud, misrepresentation and breach of contract.
McCandless insisted that none of his wealth came from his church.
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