UPDATED::Hate group preacher, treasurer accused of embezzling $5.3M | NJ.com

UPDATE::  20 percent tithes: Harlem 'cult’ leader who faces jail over church money scheme still running congregation

But according to former members and sources, who call the church a cult-like ministry, Grant plans to run the parish from behind bars — while the church continues to collect its lucrative “tithes.”

Under the terms of the plea agreement, the church is required to present a plan that ensures its compliance with federal income tax laws.

But despite an ankle-monitoring device that limits Grant’s movements while he awaits sentencing, sources close to the congregation say the New Jersey man still wields considerable control over the church, which has satellite parishes across the country.

UPDATE::  2 church leaders admit to operating tax fraud scheme 

Two high-ranking members of a New York-based church pleaded guilty Wednesday to a scheme to siphon millions of dollars from church members for personal use and not pay taxes on the money.

Jermaine Grant and Lincoln Warrington, both of New Jersey, each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States. An indictment alleged Grant, leader of the Israelite Church of God in Jesus Christ, took nearly $3 million in church money with the help of Warrington, the church’s primary treasurer.

According to the indictment, the men funneled money through Black Icon Entertainment, a company with offices in Hackensack, New Jersey, New York and Beverly Hills, among other locations. The company was allegedly created to give the impression that Grant was a successful entertainment mogul.

A Mercedes-Benz van, trips to Disneyland and private school tuition were just some of the gifts Jermaine Grant lavished on his family -- all ostensibly paid for with income from his entertainment company.

In reality, the U.S. Attorney's Office has alleged, all were ill-gotten gains of a scheme by Grant, 43, and Lincoln Warrington, 48, to siphon millions from the Israelite Church of God in Jesus Christ. The New York-based religious organization is part of the Black Hebrew Israelite movement, which believes black people are among the lost tribes of Israel.

Grant, who has led the organization under the name "Chief High Priest Tazadaqyah," has preached that a black Jesus will return to earth to enslave and kill white people. The Southern Poverty Law Center has previously cited his comments in classifying the church as a black nationalist hate group.

Hate group preacher, treasurer accused of embezzling $5.3M | NJ.com