The pastor of a Florida megachurch has been charged with defying coronavirus stay-at-home orders. According to authorities, the pastor was charged with holding prayer services in violation of public health orders.
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said that Rodney Howard-Browne, co-founder of the River at Tampa Bay Church, is accused of holding two services which were attended by hundreds of people during the pandemic, including some parishioners who were brought to the event by transportation provided by the church.
This spring breaker attracted mass criticism after saying that the pandemic won't stop him partying:Chronister told a news conference per Reuters: "His reckless disregard for human life put hundreds of people in his congregation at risk and thousands of residents who may interact with them this week in danger."
Howard-Browne was arrested at home, the sheriff's office revealed, under a warrant that charged him with holding an unlawful public gathering and violation of public health emergency rules.
The emergency rules prohibit gatherings of more than 10 people and citizens have been told to stay at home unless it is absolutely necessary.
Pictured below is a woman being tested for COVID-19.
According to the Tampa Bay Times, Howard-Browne posted the $500 bond. He was released from jail shortly after his arrest for the charges which carry maximum penalties of 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
Chronister said his office had contacted Howard-Browne's church pleading with them to cancel the services scheduled for this Sunday, but they have not agreed to do so.
The situation has been made all the more baffling because the church has the technology to live stream its services to its 4,000-member congregation.
In his defense, Howard-Browne quoted scripture, saying: "No plague shall come nigh thy dwelling, no weapon formed against them."
He added: "Suddenly we are demonized because we believe God heals, that the Lord sets people free, and they make us out to be some sort of kooks."
