Heritage Park Ends Lifetime Discounts

Evangelist Morris Cerullo of San Diego says that he will end a membership card program promising lifetime, half-price discounts at the Christian theme park that former PTL leader Jim Bakker once ran.

Cerullo’s business partners sued in federal court last week over the New Heritage USA program. They accused Cerullo of misusing $4 million he got from membership cards for the 2,200-acre retreat about 10 miles south of Charlotte, N.C.

The suit contends that the money went to Cerullo’s ministry, not to New Heritage.

It was not immediately clear what effect Cerullo’s announcement would have on the suit by New Heritage USA Corp. and its subsidiary, New Heritage Carolina Corp.

Terrell Glenn, a Columbia lawyer representing New Heritage USA Corp., declined to comment on Cerullo’s announcement. He said motions seeking to expedite the case were filed March 15 with the court clerk.

Cerullo, in a statement released by his Charlotte public relations firm, said any cardholders could get refunds if they want them.

Notices withdrawing the cards and offering refunds will go out no later than Monday to about 14,300 contributors who have bought the $300 gold cards and $1,000 platinum cards.

Cerullo said that offer would effectively nullify the suit by his Malaysian business partners, who control 51% of New Heritage.

Cerullo owns 49% of the stock through one of his companies.

According to the suit, Cerullo’s partners feared that the discounts Cerullo promised through the card membership program could place New Heritage in financial trouble.

Cerullo said, however, that a long legal battle jeopardizes New Heritage’s existence. He hopes to reopen the park this summer.

Cerullo got permission from a bankruptcy court judge in August to buy the former PTL retreat for $52 million.

Heritage USA, as it was known, closed three years earlier.

Bakker was convicted of fraud and conspiracy last year and is in a federal prison in Minnesota. The charges stemmed partly from Bakker’s sale of lifetime and other partnerships that offered discounts and free use of the park facilities.