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Jacksonville Minister Brian Carn, Jr. Pleads Guilty to Obstructing IRS Tax Collection

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iPraiseRadio.com Special Report

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the faith community, Jacksonville minister Brian Carn, Jr., known to many as “Prophet Brian Carn,” has pleaded guilty to obstructing the Internal Revenue Service’s efforts to collect his tax debts. The announcement was made today by Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.

The Charges

According to court documents and statements made in court, Carn operated a ministry under various names, including Healing House Ministries, Inc., Brian Carn Ministries, Inc., and Kingdom Culture City Churches. The case involves a sophisticated scheme to deceive the IRS after initially reporting substantial income from his ministry operations.

Timeline of Tax Evasion Scheme

2016: Initial Proper Reporting

In 2016, Carn filed his tax return for the 2015 tax year that properly reported earnings of more than $1.4 million in income. The return showed he owed more than $600,000 in taxes to the IRS. However, he did not pay those taxes.

The Scheme Begins

When the IRS began collection efforts—including placing liens on his properties and attempting to levy his bank accounts—Carn took deliberate steps to obstruct those efforts. A few months after his initial filing, he amended his 2015 tax return and falsely removed nearly $1.3 million in income that he had previously reported.

The Fictitious Employment Agreement

To accomplish this dramatic reduction in reported income, Carn hired a new accountant and provided him with a backdated employment agreement that was completely fictitious. This fabricated document claimed he received only an annual salary of $120,000 and an annual parsonage allowance of $24,000—a fraction of his actual income.

Carn represented to his accountant that this employment agreement reflected all the income he earned for the year. However, he knew this was false. In dealings with third parties on credit applications, financial account openings, and lease applications, Carn acknowledged that the income he actually earned far exceeded the purported salary in the employment agreement he had provided to his accountant.

Pattern of Underreporting Continues

Operating under the premise of the fictitious employment agreement, Carn filed a series of tax returns in subsequent years that drastically underreported his true income. This pattern of deception continued until 2020, when he stopped filing tax returns altogether—despite continuing to earn income and using ministry funds to pay for personal expenses.

Concealing Assets from the IRS

As the IRS attempted to collect the outstanding taxes, Carn made numerous false representations and material omissions to conceal his assets and income from federal investigators. These actions further obstructed the government’s ability to collect the taxes he legitimately owed.

Financial Impact

According to court documents, Carn’s obstruction caused a loss to the United States of between $550,000 and $1,500,000. This represents a significant theft from the American taxpayers and the federal government.

Legal Consequences

Carn now faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date, and the final sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge who will consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Investigation and Prosecution

IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation into Carn’s activities. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Deputy Chief David Zisserson and Trial Attorney Max Wilner-Giwerc of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.

Background on Brian Carn, Jr.

Brian Carn, Jr. gained prominence in charismatic Christian circles as a self-proclaimed prophet and minister. His ministry operations, which included Healing House Ministries, Brian Carn Ministries, and Kingdom Culture City Churches, attracted followers and generated substantial income through offerings, speaking engagements, and other ministry-related revenue streams.

The case highlights the financial success Carn achieved through his ministry work—earning well over a million dollars in a single year—while simultaneously revealing the betrayal of that trust through deliberate tax fraud and obstruction.

A Call for Accountability

This case serves as a sobering reminder that religious leaders, like all citizens, are accountable to the law and must fulfill their tax obligations. The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 13:6-7: “This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”

Impact on the Faith Community

For many in the faith community who supported Carn’s ministry, this news comes as a deep disappointment. The case underscores the importance of financial transparency and accountability in ministry operations, and the need for church leaders to model integrity in all aspects of their lives—including their financial dealings.

While the legal process will determine the final consequences for Carn’s actions, the spiritual and communal impact of this breach of trust will likely resonate for years to come among those who supported his ministry and believed in his message.

Moving Forward

As this case moves toward sentencing, it serves as an important reminder to ministry leaders and congregations alike about the critical importance of:

  • Financial Transparency: Ministries should maintain clear, honest financial records and reporting
  • Accountability: Church leaders must be accountable to boards, congregations, and the law
  • Stewardship: Those entrusted with ministry funds have a sacred responsibility to handle them with integrity
  • Tax Compliance: Religious organizations and their leaders must comply with all applicable tax laws

The Department of Justice has made clear that it will pursue cases of tax fraud and obstruction regardless of the perpetrator’s position or profession, including when those crimes are committed by religious leaders.

Conclusion

The guilty plea entered by Brian Carn, Jr. marks a significant fall for a minister who once held considerable influence in certain faith circles. While the legal process will now determine his sentence, the case stands as a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing financial success to eclipse moral and legal obligations.


For more information about this case, visit the official Department of Justice website at justice.gov. iPraiseRadio.com will continue to monitor this case and provide updates as they become available.

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Heartbreak in the Gospel Community: Teddy Campbell Files for Divorce from Mary Mary’s Tina Campbell

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By iPraiseRadio.com Staff

The gospel music world is sending up prayers for one of its most beloved families today. After more than two decades of marriage, Glendon “Teddy” Campbell has officially filed for divorce from gospel powerhouse Trecina “Tina” Campbell, one half of the legendary duo Mary Mary.

According to legal documents, Teddy filed the paperwork in Los Angeles County on April 13, 2026, citing “irreconcilable differences” +1. The filing reveals that the couple, who tied the knot in August 2000, had been quietly separated since June 2024, meaning they had been living apart for nearly two years before taking this formal step .

For many fans and listeners, the news hits especially hard given the couple’s very public and transparent journey through marital struggles. Years ago, the Campbells bravely shared their story of heartbreak and healing on their reality television show, following Teddy’s admission of infidelity . At the time, Tina chose the difficult path of forgiveness, and the two spent years working to rebuild their marriage through faith, counseling, and transparency. They even released a joint Christmas album in 2021, giving fans hope that their reconciliation was a permanent testament to God’s restorative power .

Despite their profound efforts to save the marriage, the relationship has reached its breaking point. The court documents state that the couple shares two minor children. While Teddy did not request specific custody arrangements, he has asked the court to establish visitation rights and requested that any spousal support issues be determined at a later date .

Tina Campbell has been a pillar of strength and inspiration for millions, using her powerful voice and personal testimonies to uplift others. As she and Teddy navigate this incredibly difficult and painful transition, we ask our iPraiseRadio family to extend grace, respect their privacy, and keep the entire Campbell family—especially their children—lifted in prayer during this season.

…POWERED BY GOSPEL NEWSROOM

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U P D A T E: Chandler Moore Wins Court Victory: Federal Judge Allows Solo Music Release Amid Maverick City Legal Battle

“My dream hasn’t changed. I’m stepping into this next phase ready to share my story and make music that helps people feel a little more human, a little more understood, and a little less alone

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Grammy-winning artist cleared to release “God I’m Just Grateful” while landmark lawsuit continues


In a significant legal victory for Grammy-winning worship artist Chandler Moore, U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Geraghty ruled on February 5, 2026, that Moore can release solo music while his contentious legal dispute with Maverick City Music and TRIBL Records continues in federal court.

The ruling specifically allowed Moore to release his solo single “God I’m Just Grateful” on February 6, 2026, rejecting TRIBL Records’ emergency request to block the release.

The Backstory: A Shocking Departure and Explosive Allegations

The legal drama began unfolding in early October 2025 when Moore, a founding member of the acclaimed worship collective Maverick City Music, filed a bombshell lawsuit in Atlanta federal court on October 1, 2025.

Just five days later, on October 6, 2025, Moore publicly announced his departure from the group he helped establish in 2018, stating on Instagram: “These last two years I’ve been locked in on what really matters…in my life and my career”.

The 30-year-old artist’s lawsuit names several defendants, including:

  • Norman Gyamfi (Moore’s former manager and current Maverick City Music CEO)
  • Maverick City Music, Inc.
  • TRIBL Records
  • Insignia Holding Company and related entities

The Allegations: Fraud, Forgery, and Millions in Missing Royalties

According to the lawsuit, Moore alleges that Gyamfi, who served as his personal manager from 2020 to 2023 before becoming Maverick City’s CEO, systematically abused his position of trust.

The complaint details several serious allegations:

Forged Signatures: Moore claims Gyamfi electronically forged his signature on a critical publishing agreement dated January 11, 2022, with Sony Music Entertainment, which transferred Moore’s publishing rights to The Orchard (a Sony entity) and granted Maverick City Music power of attorney over his work.

Diverted Royalties: The lawsuit alleges that in 2022, Gyamfi instructed Essential Music Publishing (Sony’s Christian music division) to redirect all of Moore’s songwriting royalties directly to Maverick City Music instead of to Moore personally.

Secret Ownership Deals: Moore claims he introduced Gyamfi to Maverick City Music in 2020, unaware that Gyamfi was secretly negotiating to become a co-owner of the collective behind his back.

Unpaid Royalties: According to a 2024 production deal, Moore agreed to deliver an album, 40 tour dates, and 12 new compositions in exchange for $1.75 million in advances and a 15% ownership stake in Maverick City Music. Moore claims he fulfilled his obligations but never received accurate royalty statements or full payment, with more than $800,000 allegedly withheld.

Master Recordings Sale: The lawsuit also alleges that Gyamfi sold Maverick City Music’s masters to Sony Music without Moore’s knowledge or consent.

Moore’s attorney, Sam Lipshie of Bradley Arant law firm, stated: “We are fully committed to helping Chandler recover what is rightfully his and assist him in moving forward freely to continue building the even-brighter, impactful career that lies ahead for him”.

Maverick City’s Response: Strong Denials and Counterclaims

Maverick City Music and its leadership have vehemently denied the allegations. Co-founder Jonathan Jay released a forceful statement on Instagram declaring: “To be clear: the claims being made against me, against Norman, and against our companies are categorically false. These aren’t misunderstandings. These are calculated attempts to strong-arm a way out of agreements Chandler made freely and later breached”.

Jay described Maverick City’s business dealings with Moore as “forthright, generous, and above reproach,” adding that the organization “acted in good faith” and “consistently extended grace”.

In their legal response, Maverick City filed counterclaims alleging that Moore failed to fulfill his contractual obligations and violated the contract’s morality clause, claiming that “Maverick City was repeatedly informed Moore had affairs or engaged in extramarital sexual acts and Maverick City suffered reputational damages as a result”.

The Recent Court Ruling: A Win for Creative Freedom

The February 5, 2026, hearing before Judge Geraghty centered on TRIBL Records’ emergency motion to prevent Moore from releasing new music.

TRIBL argued that Moore had not fulfilled his contractual commitment to deliver 10 songs to the label. However, Judge Geraghty found the matter unclear, noting that while Moore recorded 11 songs in 2024, only eight were ultimately included on his album “Chandler Moore: Live in Los Angeles”.

During the Thursday Zoom hearing, Judge Geraghty stated: “I find that TRIBL has not shown at this early stage that the imminent release of ‘God I’m Just Grateful’ would breach the contract. I simply don’t think that the case is quite as simple as TRIBL would make it”.

The judge emphasized that to win an injunction, a party must demonstrate they are “more likely than not to succeed on the merits” — a threshold TRIBL failed to meet given the uncertainties surrounding the case.

Judge Geraghty cautioned that her decision could change as the case progresses and “certainly swing the other way going forward depending on what the evidence shows.” She urged both parties to engage in settlement discussions.

Following the ruling, Moore’s attorney Chad Elder told Billboard: “Chandler Moore is grateful for the court’s ruling, which denied the defendants’ efforts to prevent him from doing what he loves, providing for his family, and inspiring others”.

Additional Legal Complications: RICO Allegations

The Maverick City legal saga has expanded beyond Moore’s lawsuit. Tony Brown, another co-founder of Maverick City Music, filed his own lawsuit in 2024 alleging that Gyamfi and Insignia failed to complete promised buyout payments from a 2023 deal.

Brown later added explosive racketeering claims under Georgia’s RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) Act, alleging he was coerced into an unfavorable buyout agreement through threats of “character assassination” and financial ruin.

Maverick City has countersued Brown, claiming he violated a non-compete clause by launching a new Christian music project called “God Aura”.

What Happens Next?

As of mid-February 2026, the legal battle remains far from resolved. Here’s what lies ahead:

Ongoing Litigation: The civil fraud case between Moore and Maverick City/TRIBL continues in Atlanta federal court, with both sides filing motions and counterclaims.

Discovery Process: Both parties will engage in the discovery phase, where evidence, documents, and depositions will be exchanged to build their respective cases.

Potential Settlement: Judge Geraghty has encouraged the parties to pursue settlement discussions, though no indication exists that either side is willing to compromise at this stage.

Moore’s Solo Career: With legal clearance secured, Moore is actively moving forward with independent musical projects. While no official release dates beyond “God I’m Just Grateful” have been announced, the ruling removes a significant barrier to his creative work.

Additional Hearings: Court filings show continued activity in the case through February 2026, with multiple motions pending before Judge Geraghty.

Parallel Cases: The separate lawsuits involving Tony Brown and the RICO allegations will proceed independently but could impact the broader legal landscape surrounding Maverick City Music.

Industry Impact and Broader Implications

This legal dispute has sent shockwaves through the Christian and gospel music community, raising critical questions about artist rights, management ethics, and financial transparency in the faith-based music industry.

The case has also prompted discussions about:

  • The power dynamics between artists and management in Christian music
  • The importance of independent legal counsel for artists entering contracts
  • The need for greater financial accountability in gospel music collectives

Notably, fellow Maverick City founding member Naomi Raine also announced her departure from the group on the same day as Moore, though she did not file legal action.

Moving Forward

For Moore, the February court ruling represents more than just a legal victory — it’s a vindication of his right to continue his calling as a worship leader and artist. In his October 2025 departure statement, Moore wrote: “My dream hasn’t changed. I’m stepping into this next phase ready to share my story and make music that helps people feel a little more human, a little more understood, and a little less alone”.

As the legal proceedings continue through 2026, the Christian music community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that brings justice, healing, and clarity to all parties involved.

Gospel Newsroom will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as they become available.


For more gospel music news and updates, visit iPraiseRadio.com

About Chandler Moore: A five-time Grammy Award winner, Chandler Moore was a founding member of Maverick City Music (established 2018) and is known for worship hits including “Jireh” and “Promises.” He currently serves as a worship leader at Church of The Nations in Texas.

About Maverick City Music: Founded in 2018, the Atlanta-based worship collective has won five Grammy Awards and revolutionized contemporary Christian worship music with its collaborative, diverse approach to songwriting and performance.

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Judge Rules in COGIC vs. Moses Tyson, Jr. Defamation Case: What You Need to Know

Western District of Tennessee granted a preliminary injunction against Tyson

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By iPraiseRadio.com Staff Powered by @GospelNewsroom on YouTube

A federal judge has issued a significant ruling in the ongoing legal battle between the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) and gospel musician Moses Tyson, Jr., ordering the artist to halt what the court described as a campaign of defamatory statements against the denomination and its leadership.

The ruling marks a major development in a case that has captured the attention of the gospel community, centering on allegations of fraud, theft, and misconduct that have played out publicly on social media and online platforms.

The Judge’s Ruling

On Monday, February 2, 2026, U.S. District Judge Mark Norris of the Western District of Tennessee granted a preliminary injunction against Tyson . The order prohibits him from “publishing, broadcasting, or disseminating any further defamatory statements” about COGIC, specifically barring him from repeating accusations of “thieves,” “grand theft,” “elder abuse,” and “fraud” .

In his decision, Judge Norris stated that the court found “no evidence” to support Tyson’s claims and noted that his actions likely met the standard of “actual malice”—meaning the statements were made with knowledge that they were false or with reckless disregard for the truth +1.

The court’s order does not prevent Tyson from engaging in legitimate theological debate or criticism but is specifically aimed at stopping the spread of “demonstrably false allegations” that have caused reputational and financial harm to the church .

How Did We Get Here?

The dispute began in August 2025, when Tyson—a well-known organist and former COGIC member—started making serious public accusations against the church and its leadership, including Presiding Bishop J. Drew Sheard .

Through a series of YouTube interviews, podcasts, and mass emails, Tyson alleged that church leaders had “ripped off” over $600,000, illegally seized church properties, and removed pastors without cause . He also accused leadership of “elder abuse” and “grand theft” .

In response, COGIC filed a $500,000 defamation lawsuit in October 2025, arguing that Tyson’s “reckless falsehoods” were damaging the church’s reputation and had even led to a decline in charitable giving +1. The church’s legal team emphasized that while they respect free speech, “it is not a license to knowingly spread false accusations” .

What’s Next?

The preliminary injunction will remain in effect as the lawsuit moves forward in federal court . This means Tyson is legally barred from repeating the specific allegations in question while the case proceeds toward a final resolution or trial.

COGIC’s Presiding Bishop Sheard expressed relief at the ruling, stating, “This case has had a negative impact on our denomination, and I’m grateful that the judge saw the need to provide this injunction” .

Tyson’s legal team has indicated that he stands by his actions, though he has not yet filed a formal response to the emergency motion that led to this week’s ruling +1.

For more in-depth coverage and analysis of this story, be sure to check out @GospelNewsroom on YouTube.

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