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Dead Megachurch Pastor Found With Suspected Drugs

Police awaiting test results on white powder

By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 16, 2011 2:20 AM CDT

(Newser) – The Florida megachurch pastor discovered dead in a Times Square hotel room was found with a white powdery substance believed to be narcotics, police sources have told several newspapers. Zachery Tims, founder of Orlando's 8,000-member New Destiny Christian Center, was discovered by hotel workmen lying on his back between the bedroom and living area of his Manhattan room. A glassine envelope of white powder was found in the pocket of the shorts he was wearing, a source told the Wall Street Journal. Police are awaiting autopsy results and tests on the powder. There were no signs of trauma on the body of the 42-year-old pastor, and no indications of a robbery, according to police.

Tims became a young drug addict in Maryland and was "miraculously saved" by his faith, according to his website. He founded his church with his wife, Riva, in 1996. The couple divorced later because of Tims' affair with a stripper, and Riva then founded her own church. Condolences are pouring into New Destiny over the loss of the popular pastor.

Madalyn Berry, center, leads the congregation in a song during a special service for Pastor Zachery Tims at the New Destiny Christian Center in Florida.
Madalyn Berry, center, leads the congregation in a song during a special service for Pastor Zachery Tims at the New Destiny Christian Center in Florida.   (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Zachery Tims, 42, was found dead in a Times Square hotel room.
Zachery Tims, 42, was found dead in a Times Square hotel room.   (Chantelle564)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 12 comments
flameforjustice
Aug 16, 2011 3:15 PM CDT
"Saving faith"is wasn't it used to be.
JoeQ
Aug 16, 2011 11:15 AM CDT
For some people, the repentant sinners are more admired than the ones who never sinned in the first place.  Go figure.
rudejohn
Aug 16, 2011 8:02 AM CDT
I have no sympathy for the members of this church and the controversy they're dealing with now.  They continued to support this pastor while he had an affair with a stripper.  I'm not saying they shouldn't forgive him, for that's the Christian thing to do. But they can forgive him while choosing a new role model for their children.

 
Florida • Orlando • megachurches • Times Square • Zachery Tims • New Destiny Christian Center

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