(Image Source: Facebook )

BY LYNDSEY GARZA

 

Atlanta megachurch pastor Creflo Dollar was arrested on counts of simple battery, family violence and cruelty to children on Friday. Dollar’s 15-year-old daughter says he choked her, threw her to the ground and hit her with his shoe. Today, the pastor took to the pulpit to clear his name. Here’s Atlanta’s WSB...

“The truth is that a family conversation with our youngest daughter got emotional. She was not choken, she was not punched. There were not any scratches on her neck...”

According to the Fayette County Sheriff's Office, the incident began when Dollar refused to let his daughter go to a party. Dollar’s daughter called 911 after she says the fight became physical. Dollar was arrested early Friday, and released on Saturday after posting $5,000 in bond.

Dollar is the founder and pastor of the World Changers Church International. According to CNN, the congregation claims thousands in attendance within the walls of its $18 million sanctuary. Lexington’s WTVQ emphasizes the “striking” juxtaposition of Dollar in his mug shot...

“Creflo Dollar, the pin-stripe wearing, prosperity preaching, paragon of virtue ... A man who has 40,000 followers, a TV show that reaches a billion people and a private plane ... That man seen here looking supremely glum...”

Dollar preaches the prosperity gospel — a doctrine that tells followers God rewards piety with earthly wealth. CNN says Dollar has earned both praise and criticism since his ministry began in 1986...

“Supporters say he has preached a message that's financially empowered his parishioners and challenged the idea that Christians should be ashamed to be rich. Critics call him ‘Cash-Flow Dollar,’ a pulpit prima donna who once refused to allow parishioners to touch him.”

After addressing his congregation Sunday, Dollar was met with thousands standing in ovation. Some even chanted “We love you!” and “We’ve got your back!”. Dollar denies allegations and told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution the claims are “exaggeration and sensationalism”...

“Malicious witnesses testify against me. They accuse me of crimes I know nothing about... May those who rejoice in my discomfort be humiliated and disgraced. That is all I have to say about that.”

This isn’t the first time Dollar has had a brush with the law. In 1999, Dollar was accused of bribing 100 Atlanta police officers to get out of tickets. Later that year, Dollar was also charged with contempt of court for refusing to disclose donations to his church.

Dollar has spoke out asking for privacy in the case to protect his children.