Can A Church And It's Leaders Be Charged Like The Mafia? IT'S HAPPENING | With Vanessa Johnson

We’re unpacking the headline-grabbing RICO allegations involving Robert Morris and Gateway Church—what’s been filed, what RICO actually means, and how prosecutors and civil plaintiffs try to use it against religious or nonprofit organizations.

Guest: @vanessajohnsonattorney — an attorney joining us to explain the legal framework, potential defenses, and what to watch next in the docket.

What we’ll cover

What is RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act)? Criminal vs. civil RICO basics

How prosecutors/plaintiffs try to apply RICO to churches and nonprofits

The allegations involving Robert Morris and Gateway Church (procedural posture, parties, claims)

Evidence standards: “pattern,” “enterprise,” “predicate acts,” and why those words matter

Possible outcomes: dismissals, settlements, trials, and precedent to watch

Practical takeaways for church boards, finance teams, and ministry leaders

Why this matters

RICO is a powerful—sometimes controversial—tool. When used in a church context, it raises complex questions about governance, oversight, donor funds, and accountability. We’ll translate legal jargon into plain English so you can understand what’s allegation, what’s proven, and what happens next.

Important note

This broadcast is for news commentary and legal education. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Allegations are just that—allegations—and facts may evolve as courts rule and new filings appear. Nothing here is legal advice; consult an attorney for guidance on your specific situation. The views expressed by guests are their own.

Join the conversation

Drop your questions for Vanessa in the live chat—especially about:

How RICO is different from fraud or conspiracy charges

What church boards should document to improve oversight

How to read a complaint or motion without a law degree

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