AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - An alleged cult leader had his first federal court appearance Thursday, a day after being arrested during a raid of his lavish Columbia County mansion .

The man known as Rony Denis is accused of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and aiding and assisting in filing a false tax return.

The church he founded is known as the House of Prayer, but critics and authorities claim it’s little more than a cult meant to lure in service members and veterans.

Authorities say the aim was to drain veterans’ federal financial benefits to enrich the church and its leaders with such luxuries as an 11,000-square-foot West Lake mansion – one of Denis’ three residences – and a Rolls-Royce.

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