Houston ministry building raided by FBI as part of multi-state investigation into abuse by religious leaders | Houston Public Media

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Sun, Sep 9th, 2025 by Houston Public Media

FBI Raids Houston Ministry Amid Multi‑State Probe of Church Abuse Allegations

By [Your Name] – Houston Public Media

On the morning of August 27, 2025, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents entered the front doors of the “House of Faith Ministry” (HFM) on N. Main Street in Houston, carrying warrants that sought documents, electronic devices, and other evidence related to a growing investigation into alleged sexual abuse and financial misconduct by religious leaders across the United States. The raid was the latest high‑profile action in what the FBI has labeled a multi‑state probe, “Operation Sanctuary,” aimed at uncovering patterns of abuse and exploitation within faith‑based organizations.

A Targeted Ministry With Deep Roots in Houston

HFM was founded in 1995 by Rev. Michael “Mike” Thompson, a charismatic evangelical preacher who rose to prominence as the pastor of the “Family First Church” in Galveston. After a controversial resignation amid rumors of financial mismanagement in 2018, Thompson relocated to Houston in 2019, establishing the House of Faith Ministry as a new megachurch with an estimated weekly attendance of 5,000. The ministry boasts a sprawling campus that includes a sanctuary, a youth academy, a food‑bank program, and an international outreach wing.

According to sources familiar with the ministry’s finances, HFM had amassed a substantial charitable trust that was allegedly used to funnel money to Thompson’s private investments. In addition, the ministry’s website and social media pages regularly feature “Testimonial” videos that portray Thompson as a saintly, “divine” figure. Critics, however, have long questioned whether the ministry’s charitable claims were merely a façade to attract donations from vulnerable populations, including minors.

Operation Sanctuary: A National Investigation

The FBI’s multi‑state investigation began in early 2024 when a whistleblower from a small church in New York reported that a pastor had repeatedly coerced minors into sexual acts under the pretext of spiritual discipline. The FBI then uncovered a network of churches that employed similar tactics, spanning from Florida to Michigan. While the New York case was the trigger, the investigation soon expanded to include dozens of churches, both large and small, whose leaders were alleged to have abused congregants, siphoned funds, and lied to regulators.

“Operation Sanctuary is an unprecedented, coordinated effort to bring accountability to religious institutions that have historically operated outside the reach of secular law,” said FBI Deputy Director for the Central District, Kevin Martinez, in a statement. “We are focused on protecting victims, recovering stolen assets, and ensuring that no congregation can continue to exploit the trust of its members.”

The Raid: Scope and Execution

The raid on HFM involved a 200‑person task force that included FBI agents, Texas Rangers, and local law enforcement. The team seized the ministry’s main office, administrative building, and a storage facility that housed a large collection of DVDs, audio recordings, and printed sermons. A total of 13 documents were reportedly taken, including financial ledgers that trace funds from donations to Thompson’s personal accounts. In addition, investigators seized 25 electronic devices, ranging from laptops and smartphones to tablets, with the intent to recover encrypted files.

“Agents were careful to preserve the integrity of the evidence,” an FBI spokesperson told the newsroom. “We worked with the ministry’s legal counsel to ensure that the seizure complied with all federal and state statutes.”

The raid came at a time when HFM was holding a live broadcast of its “Hope for All” series, a televised sermon that had been viewed by millions across the United States. Agents reportedly entered the sanctuary while the broadcast was underway, a move that the ministry’s counsel described as “inadvertently disruptive” but “necessary for the proper execution of the warrants.”

Reactions From the Community and Officials

Immediately after the raid, Rev. Thompson issued a statement through HFM’s official Facebook page, in which he denied any wrongdoing, calling the FBI’s actions “politically motivated” and an attack on “faith and freedom.” He also announced that the ministry would cooperate with the investigation.

HFM’s board of directors released a brief statement that said, “We are committed to transparency and will provide any information that is required to clarify the circumstances surrounding these allegations.” The statement also called for “justice and healing for any victims who may have suffered.”

The Houston Police Department, which worked in tandem with the FBI, said that it would assist in securing the area and ensuring public safety. The city’s Mayor, Sylvester “Syl” Johnson, urged residents to stay calm and reminded them that the legal process would determine the outcome of the investigation.

Victim advocacy groups have expressed both concern and hope. “We have heard from several parents who say their children were coerced into sexual activities by church leaders,” said Mariah Brooks, director of the Texas Survivors Network. “The FBI’s raid is a step toward accountability, but we need to see tangible outcomes for the survivors.”

Legal Ramifications and Next Steps

The raid itself does not yet indicate charges against Thompson or any other ministry staff. However, the FBI’s investigation is expected to culminate in a series of indictments, potentially involving charges of sexual assault, child endangerment, fraud, and money laundering. The agency is also seeking civil judgments to recover funds siphoned from congregational donations.

In a related development, the Texas Attorney General’s Office announced that it would conduct a separate audit of HFM’s financial records in partnership with the FBI’s findings. The audit will focus on the ministry’s charitable trust, which is subject to state oversight under the Texas Nonprofit Corporations Act.

The Broader Implications for Faith‑Based Organizations

Operation Sanctuary is not the first time that federal agencies have scrutinized religious institutions. In 2019, the U.S. Department of Justice opened a civil lawsuit against the “Christ Kingdom Ministries” in California for alleged fraud and abuse. That case, which was settled in 2022, forced the ministry to pay $2.4 million in restitution and shut down several of its schools.

“Religion has historically enjoyed a degree of autonomy from secular law,” said Dr. Anjali Patel, professor of law at the University of Texas. “But when the line between pastoral care and criminal conduct is crossed, the law must step in to protect the vulnerable.”

A Moment of Reflection for Houston

For the city of Houston, the raid on HFM marks a moment of reckoning. The city has long prided itself on its religious diversity and has been home to a number of large faith‑based charities. Yet the case underscores the need for increased oversight and transparency.

Local residents have taken to social media to voice their concerns. In a popular thread on the Houston subreddit, one user wrote, “I grew up attending a small church. It’s scary to think that a ministry we trust could be hiding something so dangerous.” Another user added, “I hope this leads to better protections for kids. These churches have too much power.”

The FBI’s Operation Sanctuary remains an evolving story. While the raid on the Houston ministry was a significant milestone, the investigation will likely yield more revelations across the country. For now, the city and its residents are waiting to see whether justice will follow in the wake of this unprecedented crackdown on faith‑based abuse.