Preacher who promised ‘Miracle Mansion’ to Charlotte church sentenced to prison
Michael Baldwin, a pastor accused of conning church members in Charlotte out of more than $300,000, was sentenced Tuesday to 27 months in prison and three years of supervised release.
“Preachers have got to understand that they can go to prison, too,” federal Judge Max Cogburn said.
Baldwin, who is 55 and from Virginia, orchestrated an $800,000 investment scheme, according to United States Attorney Dena King’s office. In 2022 a jury found him guilty of wire fraud and securities fraud.
For years he raised the money, ostensibly to build “Miracle Mansion,” a family entertainment venue rooted in Christian values. But much of the funds paid for his travel, meals, credit cards and more, The Charlotte Observer previously reported.
Nearly half the funds — $370,000, according to court records — came from Charlotte’s Harbor Baptist Church.
Two longtime members of Harbor Baptist said Tuesday that they wanted the money returned. One said the church is in disrepair.
Baldwin has tried to make good on that and repay debts, he said, explaining that his only mistake was not being a better businessman.
“I’ll not admit to something I never did,” he said before Cogburn sentenced him. “I have to stand before an almighty judge.”
Family and friends filled the courtroom’s pews, occasionally saying “amen” as he defended his character and invoked the Bible.
“It’s not... an excuse that you are not good with money,” the judge told him.