Richard Dortch

Richard W. Dortch(October 15, 1931 – June 15, 2011) was anAssemblies of GodDistrict Superintendent forIllinois(1970–83) and an Assemblies of God Executive Presbyter (1971–1985).Born inGranite City, Illinois,Dortch served as a pastor early in his ministerial career, and was also a missionary toBelgium(1959–1964), where he helped found and lead Emmanuel Bible Institute in Andrimont.

While pastoring inAlton, Illinois,in 1967, Dortch was elected as secretary-treasurer for the Illinois district of the Assemblies of God and served until 1970. He then was elected to serve as Illinois District Superintendent, a position that he held until he resigned in 1983 to work at PTL.

He became Executive Vice President of thePTLChristian evangelicaltelevision network in 1983, a network typically featuring speakers affiliated with thePentecostalmovement.

In 1988 he, along with other executives of PTL, was indicted on federal charges offraudandconspiracy.In aplea bargain,Dortch pleaded guilty to reduced charges and was sentenced to eight years in prison, later cut to two and a half years.His ministry credentials were restored by the Assemblies of God in 1991.

Dortch wrote several books about personal integrity and restoration. Until just prior to his death he hosted a long-standing two- to three-hours prayer service called "America's Prayer Meeting" on theChristian Television Network.

External links

• Leadership JournalBlind Spot July 1, 1994Dortch's ministry credentials restored
• The Voice of Prophecy,"Praising God from the Penitentiary",October 8, 2001
• The New York TimesEx-TV Evangelists Are Ousted as MinistersMay 7, 1987
• The New York TimesHeadliners; Facing JudgmentDecember 11, 1988
• The New York TimesBakker Aide Receives 8-Year Fraud SentenceAugust 25, 1989
• The New York TimesPrison Sentence of Top Aide To Bakker Cut to 2½ YearsApril 26, 1990