Virginia pastor gets 8 years for $2 million fraud scheme

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) - A northern Virginia pastor has been sentenced to eight years in prison for a $2 million fraud scheme that victimized members of his congregation and other clergymen.

A jury convicted 54-year-old Terry Millender, the former senior pastor of Victorious Life Church in Alexandria, on multiple fraud counts in a 2017 trial. A jury also convicted his wife, Brenda Millender, on some counts and acquitted her on others before a judge vacated all counts against her.

According to court records, Terry Millender recruited investors by saying he would use Nigerian oil deals to finance micro-loans to African entrepreneurs that would provide a high rate of return.

In reality, he used the money to conduct high-risk day trades and finance the purchase of a $1.75 million home.