The State Bureau of Investigation said the agency would not comment "due to the overall investigation" involving the church. The AP also revealed how, over the course of two decades, followers were ordered by church leaders to lie to authorities investigating reports of abuse. Over the years, church leaders have owned and operated more than two dozen businesses. It is illegal for employers or employees to knowingly file fraudulent unemployment claims. The price of the refusal, Fields said, could be beatings administered by fellow church members and public shaming by Whaley.

Source: Fox News September 25, 2017 04:18 UTC