Bakker Aide Dortch Is Granted Parole for Medical Reasons
Richard Dortch, who pleaded guilty to mail fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy in the federal investigation of PTL, has been approved for parole for medical reasons effective July 9, the Justice Department said Monday. Dortch had surgery for a cancerous kidney several months ago.
He will be confined to his home for 120 days except for employment and other activities approved in advance by his probation office, a Justice Department spokesman said.
Dortch was considered one of former PTL leader Jim Bakker’s most powerful and trusted aides. Dortch and Bakker were indicted in December, 1988, on charges of diverting more than $4 million in PTL money for their own use and conspiring to defraud television ministry followers.
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