Pastor Anthony Jinwright took the stand in his fraud and tax evasion trial Tuesday afternoon and said he now realizes he was paid too much and that his compensation was a burden to his church. Jinwright’s testimony drew a packed house to the trial which has stretched over more than two weeks.
In other news today, the government dropped one charge in its case against the Jinwrights.
Jinwright’s testimony came under questioning by defense attorney Ed Hinson, hours after the prosecution wrapped up its case in day 14 of the federal trial.
The government alleges that co-pastors Anthony and Harriet Jinwright failed to report about $1.8 million in taxable income between 2001 and 2007. During that time, their indictments allege, the couple received more than $5.3 million in payments and reimbursements from Greater Salem City of God, not including gifts and cash given to them by church members.
