He had been accused of defrauding Mohammed, President of Nutrimix
Feed of millions.
Lutchmansingh had told members of his congregation and the wider
public through his church services and radio and television ministry
that he had inherited millions from one Buford Keaton.
So proud was he of his pending inheritance that the embattled man
of the cloth chronicled in two books his rise from poverty.
He is already on $4.7 million bail as a result of previous charges
brought against him by Mohammed.
The number of charges against Kitty, head of the Faith Sanctuary
Family Life Ministries which he along with his now divorced wife
Tara founded some years ago, now stands at 73.
The Nutrimix boss man reportedly loaned Lutchmansingh millions of
dollars to help him get his “church business” off the
ground.
The loan was never repaid and Mohammed subsequently took legal action
to recover his money.
Late last year, following an order from the court, bailiff moved
in on the church at Cunupia and seized property to the value of
outstanding monies.
Last Wednesday none of the 44 charges brought by Mohammed was read
in court as none of the summonses had been served on Lutchmansingh.
They were not served, as investigating officer Andrew John was said
to be out of the country.
State Prosecutor Rangee Dolsingh, who also appeared on behalf of
complainant Mohammed told the court he had applied to be special
prosecutor in the matter and had spoken to the DPP about obtaining
a fiat.
Dolsingh asked that all the 44 additional charges be “married”
to the existing 29 charges.
The matter will next be heard on November 14.
Attorney Sash Permanand appeared on behalf of Lutchmansingh.
Since coming on the scene, the flamboyant pastor has not been able
to keep out of the media.
In the early years of his church, the colourful pastor was able
to attract thousands, including top professionals, to his ministry
and had the record as the only minister who never took up offering
during worship.
Many rich people “invested” in his church but sooner
than later there were signs that all was not well with the ministry,
since the minister seemed incapable of repaying his million dollar
debts to members he owed.
A split in the church became evident.
Mohammed, who was allegedly swindled out of almost $3 million dollars
along with other members James and Janet Raymond, soon filed lawsuits
against Lutchmansingh.
Not only was his ministry thrown into turmoil, his personal life
also became affected.
Lutchmansingh, after a nasty court battle, has since divorced first
wife Tara, mother of his two children.
His new companion recently gave birth to a bouncing baby girl, which
the pastor reportedly celebrated in fine style.
Sources revealed he took members to a posh Port of Spain restaurant
where he wined and dined for several hours.
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