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ANCHOR: Hi, its now noon and three minutes; the president of Maranatha Church and three
pastors were arrested this morning, they are accused of intimidating witnesses of research
that investigates embezzlement in the church. The headquarters of Maranatha Christian Church
is here in the state of Espírito Santo (Vitoria city), the investigation began last year.
REPORTER (woman): The arrests carried out by Federal Police (corresponds to FBI in USA)
began early, the current president of Maranatha Church Elsom Pedro dos Reis was arrested at
home at Praia da Costa beach in Vila Velha city. The police remained in place for more
than two hours, until the arrival of the lawyer, Sergio Carlos de Souza who declined to speak
to the media. The former president, leader and founder of the Church, Gedelti Victalino
Gueiros was also arrested in Praia da Costa. He did not even leave the house, because he
received the benefit of house arrest, for having more than 80 years. The pastors, Amadeu
Loureiro and Carlos Itamar Coelho were also arrested. The arrests were executed in partnership
with the State Prosecutor. Were also completed seven search warrants and seizure.
REPORTER( Eliana Gorritti): According to the Public Prosecutor, the four people arrested
were also responsible for intimidating witnesses and involved in the investigation of the case,
the bullies were harming the calculation of work investigating various crimes committed
within the church Maranatha as larceny, forgery, money laundering, influence peddling and embezzlement
of public money. The dome of the Church Maranatha is being investigated by State and Federal
Prosecutors, because of a diversion scheme grants of tithes, forgery concealment of assets
of the church, among other crimes. In November last year (2012), several people were removed
in the operation of the institution called "between siblings", 26 people were suspected.
According to the State Prosecutor, the deviation exceed 21 million Reais.
ANCHOR: Well, the President Elsom dos Reis and the pastor Amadeu Loureiro were taken
to the sorting center of Viana town, Pastor Carlos Coelho Itamar, who is a lawyer, will
be trapped in the barracks of the military police in Maruípe in Vitoria city. The founder
of the Church that has more than 80 years, is under house arrest. the press of Maranatha
Christian Church said it was taking note of all the details of the transaction in the
morning, only after then, will speak on the subject.