Independent counsel to investigate alleged misconduct in Word of Faith Fellowship proceedings
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RUTHEFORD COUNTY, N.C. (FOX Carolina) – A judge issued an order on Tuesday for independent counsel to be appointed to investigate allegations of misconduct against the District Attorney of Buncombe County in connection with delayed legal proceedings on Word of Faith Fellowship.
Word of Faith Fellowship, based in Rutherford County, has been accused of operating as a cult over the last several years. The church has faced allegations of trafficking slave labor and emotionally and physically abusing its members. Two members also pleaded guilty to unemployment fraud.
A new trial in the church case was scheduled to begin on Dec. 8, but was postponed. Earlier this month, a victim in the case filed a formal petition accusing District Attorney Ted Bell of misconduct and seeking his removal from office or the case.
Bell denied the allegations, saying, “Throughout my career, I have been entrusted by the people of this district with significant responsibility, and I have worked hard every day to honor that trust.”
Tuesday’s order does not weigh in on whether or not the allegations are true, but says a hearing is necessary on the matter.
The judge ordered the appointment of independent counsel, attorney W. Otis Walker IV, to gather and present evidence relating to the victim’s claim.
The hearing is scheduled for Jan. 26.
Content retrieved from: https://www.foxcarolina.com/2025/12/31/independent-counsel-investigate-alleged-misconduct-word-faith-fellowship-proceedings/.
