Crime & Safety
Angel Food Ministries Founders Charged With Fraud, Money Laundering
Three members of the Wingo family, founders of Angel Food Ministries, as well as a business associate are facing charges of fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering following a grand jury investigation.
According to several media outlets the Wingo family that founded a nationwide food distribution ministry face 49 federal charges including fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundry.
Pastor Joe Wingo, his wife Linda, son Andy and a business associate, Harry Michaels, were indicted this week following a grand jury investigation. The Wingos were reportedly expected to turn themselves in to federal authorities in Macon today. According to Sue McKinney, a spokesperson with the U.S. Attorney's Office in Macon, the Wingos are scheduled to go before Federal Judge Charles Weigle at 2:30 p.m. Friday for a first appearance.
The story first broke on The Walton Tribune Thursday evening when it was reported that a grand jury had handed down the indictment. I, blaming the downturn in the economy. However, the ministry had been under a federal investigation since 2009.
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Angel Food Ministries was started in Walton County in 1994 and grew to a ministry that served more than 500,000 families nationwide. The low cost food boxes were distributed through local churches.
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