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Embattled Aurora minister faces new charges

An Aurora minister accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from a congregation member could have his bond revoked in light of new charges alleging he paid $114,000 in church rent with a bad check.

Prosecutors said Rev. Howard Richmond, 51, of Naperville, persuaded an associate in December to cut the check on a promise he would pay the associate $130,000 before it cleared. But the check bounced, authorities said.

Richmond was arrested late last week on charges of deceptive practices and conspiracy to commit deceptive practices. The Buffalo Grove man who authorities said supplied the check was not charged.

According to DuPage County court records, Richmond was trying to pay current and owed rent for the Aurora storefront at 4054 Fox Valley Center Drive where he runs Life Reach Ministries Worldwide.

His attorney, Jack Rimland, declined to comment Thursday on the new allegations.

Because of the additional charges, prosecutors have asked Judge Blanche Hill Fawell to increase Richmond's bail to $1 million or revoke it entirely and put him in the county jail. Fawell could hear arguments Friday.

Richmond, of the 2900 block of Brossman Street, was first charged in May 2010 with bilking three men out of more than $470,000.

At the time, police said Richmond had documents indicating he had several million dollars ready to help purchase the storefront where his church is located. He is accused of persuading one church member, a 60-year-old doctor, to invest an additional $400,000 and two other acquaintances to kick in a combined $75,000.

Also charged was a former Naperville bank employee accused of taking bribes from Richmond to create documents making it look as if his church account had $17 million. The banker, 41-year-old Sallie Berry of Naperville, pleaded guilty to commercial bribery in December and has agreed to testify against Richmond at his upcoming trial.

Richmond remains free on bond and has pleaded not guilty to felony charges of theft, financial institution fraud and continuing a financial crimes enterprise. His trial is tentatively set for June 26.

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