The Nation - News from Oct. 5, 1989

A jury in Charlotte, N.C., has begun deliberating fraud and conspiracy charges against PTL founder Jim Bakker and must decide if he is the “world-class” con man prosecutors contend, or the victim of circumstance his lawyers say. Bakker is accused of diverting more than $3.7 million in PTL money to live in high style, buying Rolls-Royces, lavish homes, raw diamonds, an air-conditioned doghouse and furnishings ranging from mirrored walls and gold-plated swan bathroom fixtures to motorized bedroom drapes and gigantic walk-in closets. “I feel fine,” Bakker said as he and his wife, Tammy Faye, left the federal courthouse. Asked if he was worried about the outcome of the trial, Bakker responded, “No, I’m trusting God.”