Web evangelist spent donations

COVINGTON, Ky. — Federal prosecutors say an Internet evangelist based in northern Kentucky lived a lavish lifestyle off donations from followers from around the world and didn’t pay taxes on much of the money.

Asst. U.S. Atty. Robert McBride told jurors in federal court that Ronald Weinland used credit cards to have his ministry, the Church of God-Preparing for the Kingdom of God, pay for more than $500,000 in personal expenses.

Weinland’s attorney, Robert Webb, said the charges are erroneous because federal agents misunderstand Weinland’s ministry.

Webb said the group believes that society is in its