A man who says members of a secretive North Carolina religious group held him down and beat him wants the prosecutor kicked off his case, accusing the district attorney of siding with a church that dozens of former congregants have said abused them.
Matthew Fenner stated in court documents that he has waited more than eight years for a retrial in the kidnapping and assault case involving Word of Faith Fellowship. He claims that District Attorney Ted Bell scheduled the second trial for a church leader during a critical week of his medical residency interviews and refused to delay it further.
Fenner alleges in a sworn statement that Bell is eager to maintain good relations with the influential church in his rural county, possibly for his reelection campaign in 2026. In response, Bell has refuted Fenner's claims, asserting that they are false and that he will address the allegations in court, emphasizing his dedication to justice and professionalism.
Fenner contends that Bell stopped communicating with him, declined to interview potential witnesses, and even suggested he drop the case.
The upcoming trial for church leader Brooke Covington on second-degree kidnapping and simple assault charges has been postponed to review Fenner's request to remove Bell from the case, which he argues is crucial for a fair trial. Covington previously faced a mistrial due to jury misconduct, and she maintains her innocence in the situation.
Fenner's ordeal began in 2010 when he joined Word of Faith as a teenager. He recounts a disturbing episode where members, including Covington, subjected him to what the church described as a “blasting” session, during which he was held down and physically assaulted for several hours.
The court proceedings have faced various delays, and a gag order has been placed on Fenner and others involved. Fenner claims this gag order was endorsed by Bell to weaken his case and pressure him into abandoning it.
Word of Faith Fellowship, founded in 1979, has been under scrutiny for allegations of abuse and control over its members. The church leadership, including founder Jane Whaley, has denied any wrongdoing.
In 2017, a series of reports detailed former members' claims of mistreatment within the church, leading to increased media scrutiny and calls for accountability.
Matthew Fenner stated in court documents that he has waited more than eight years for a retrial in the kidnapping and assault case involving Word of Faith Fellowship. He claims that District Attorney Ted Bell scheduled the second trial for a church leader during a critical week of his medical residency interviews and refused to delay it further.
Fenner alleges in a sworn statement that Bell is eager to maintain good relations with the influential church in his rural county, possibly for his reelection campaign in 2026. In response, Bell has refuted Fenner's claims, asserting that they are false and that he will address the allegations in court, emphasizing his dedication to justice and professionalism.
Fenner contends that Bell stopped communicating with him, declined to interview potential witnesses, and even suggested he drop the case.
The upcoming trial for church leader Brooke Covington on second-degree kidnapping and simple assault charges has been postponed to review Fenner's request to remove Bell from the case, which he argues is crucial for a fair trial. Covington previously faced a mistrial due to jury misconduct, and she maintains her innocence in the situation.
Fenner's ordeal began in 2010 when he joined Word of Faith as a teenager. He recounts a disturbing episode where members, including Covington, subjected him to what the church described as a “blasting” session, during which he was held down and physically assaulted for several hours.
The court proceedings have faced various delays, and a gag order has been placed on Fenner and others involved. Fenner claims this gag order was endorsed by Bell to weaken his case and pressure him into abandoning it.
Word of Faith Fellowship, founded in 1979, has been under scrutiny for allegations of abuse and control over its members. The church leadership, including founder Jane Whaley, has denied any wrongdoing.
In 2017, a series of reports detailed former members' claims of mistreatment within the church, leading to increased media scrutiny and calls for accountability.
