Megachurch pastor arrested for holding packed services despite safer-at-home order

Mar 31, 20200

Chris O'Meara – Associated Press count

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has put an electronic sign on the driveway to The River Church Monday, March 30, 2020, in Tampa, Fla, after warning the megachurch about violating a safer-at-home order in place to limit the spread of coronavirus The church haa continuing to hold Sunday church services despite warnings for social distancing in order. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

TAMPA, Fla. - Florida officials have arrested the pastor of a megachurch after detectives say he held two Sunday services with hundreds of people and violated a safer-at-home order in place to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

According to jail records, Pastor Rodney Howard-Browne turned himself in to authorities Monday afternoon in Hernando County, where he lives. He was charged with unlawful assembly and violation of a public health emergency order. Bail was set at $500, according to the jail's website, and he was released after posting bond.

https://www.startribune.com/florida-officials-seek-arrest-for-pastor-that-violated-rules/569224992/