In a surprising twist to an already contentious legal battle, Matthew Fenner, a victim seeking justice against members of the controversial Word of Faith Fellowship in North Carolina, has petitioned to have District Attorney Ted Bell dismissed from his case. Fenner, who has been waiting for a retrial for over eight years concerning allegations of kidnapping and assault, asserts that Bell’s actions reflect a bias toward the influential church and its congregation.
Court documents reveal Fenner’s contention that Bell scheduled the retrial for church leader Brooke Covington during a critical week when he was interviewing for medical residency positions. According to Fenner, Bell's refusal to negotiate a postponement demonstrates a lack of regard for his situation and the serious nature of the charges against Covington.
In a sworn affidavit, Fenner expressed concerns that Bell's relationship with the church could influence the case, suggesting Bell is keen on maintaining favor with the church community, which could be vital for his reelection efforts in 2026. ”If the Court does not intervene and remove Bell from this case, the trial will be lost before it begins,” Fenner's attorney stated in legal filings.
In response, DA Bell vehemently denied Fenner’s accusations, asserting that the allegations against him are unfounded and that he intends to address them head-on in court. “I remain committed to fulfilling my duties with integrity, professionalism, and an unwavering dedication to justice,” Bell stated. Fenner further alleges that Bell has ceased communication with him, ignored new evidence, and even encouraged him to abandon the case.
The trial for Covington, which includes charges of second-degree kidnapping and simple assault, was initially set for this week but has been postponed due to Fenner’s requests. The prior trial concerning these charges ended in a mistrial after juror misconduct was identified. Covington maintains her innocence against all allegations.
Fenner, who joined the Word of Faith Fellowship as a teenager, recalls being subjected to a physically abusive 'blasting' session where he was restrained and assaulted by church members, as part of what the church described as expelling 'homosexual demons.' Following a Gag Order instituted by the court, Fenner claims he has faced significant hurdles in advancing his case against the church due to potential witness intimidation and a lack supportive actions from the DA's office.
The Word of Faith Fellowship, established in 1979, has faced widespread accusations of abuse and manipulation from former members. An investigative series by the Associated Press in 2017 detailed various accounts of abuse within the church, leading to ongoing scrutiny of its operations. Whaley, the church leader, has refuted claims of abuse, asserting the church's commitment to lawful conduct and the freedom of religion.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the intersection of church influence and local governance raises critical questions about the administration of justice in a community where faith and law deeply intertwine.
Court documents reveal Fenner’s contention that Bell scheduled the retrial for church leader Brooke Covington during a critical week when he was interviewing for medical residency positions. According to Fenner, Bell's refusal to negotiate a postponement demonstrates a lack of regard for his situation and the serious nature of the charges against Covington.
In a sworn affidavit, Fenner expressed concerns that Bell's relationship with the church could influence the case, suggesting Bell is keen on maintaining favor with the church community, which could be vital for his reelection efforts in 2026. ”If the Court does not intervene and remove Bell from this case, the trial will be lost before it begins,” Fenner's attorney stated in legal filings.
In response, DA Bell vehemently denied Fenner’s accusations, asserting that the allegations against him are unfounded and that he intends to address them head-on in court. “I remain committed to fulfilling my duties with integrity, professionalism, and an unwavering dedication to justice,” Bell stated. Fenner further alleges that Bell has ceased communication with him, ignored new evidence, and even encouraged him to abandon the case.
The trial for Covington, which includes charges of second-degree kidnapping and simple assault, was initially set for this week but has been postponed due to Fenner’s requests. The prior trial concerning these charges ended in a mistrial after juror misconduct was identified. Covington maintains her innocence against all allegations.
Fenner, who joined the Word of Faith Fellowship as a teenager, recalls being subjected to a physically abusive 'blasting' session where he was restrained and assaulted by church members, as part of what the church described as expelling 'homosexual demons.' Following a Gag Order instituted by the court, Fenner claims he has faced significant hurdles in advancing his case against the church due to potential witness intimidation and a lack supportive actions from the DA's office.
The Word of Faith Fellowship, established in 1979, has faced widespread accusations of abuse and manipulation from former members. An investigative series by the Associated Press in 2017 detailed various accounts of abuse within the church, leading to ongoing scrutiny of its operations. Whaley, the church leader, has refuted claims of abuse, asserting the church's commitment to lawful conduct and the freedom of religion.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the intersection of church influence and local governance raises critical questions about the administration of justice in a community where faith and law deeply intertwine.
