Legal battles against the newsletter often were unsuccessful because none of the subscribers ever complained. Attorney General Betty Montgomery filed a lawsuit against the Rev. Hawthorn Dec. 11.
Allegations range from financial fraud to having an exotic dancer on the payroll.
The Rev. Hawthorn refused to talk with the Beacon Journal, except to say he is innocent. The Associated Press was unable to reach the Rev. Hawthorn for comment Sunday. He has an unlisted home phone number and there was no answer at the newsletter office. Richard Lupton, a Virginia pastor, is a former newsletter trustee who helped Montgomery's office in its lawsuit. On Dec. 6, the Rev. Hawthorn changed the office locks and kicked Mr. Lupton and another former trustee, Howard Russell, out of the organization.