Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker's empire crumbles in 1987 due to scandal. Facing intense scrutiny, legal battles, and a high-profile trial. After Jim's guilty verdict, he starts a new ministry focused on apocalypse preparation and faces legal troubles in 2021.
Jim Bakker's scandal exposed financial mismanagement and unethical practices within PTL.
Bakker's trial for fraud revealed his deceitful actions and deflection of blame.
Deep dives
Jerry Falwell Takes Charge of Cleaning Up PTL's Mess
Jerry Falwell steps in as acting president of PTL after Jim Baker's scandal with Jessica Hahn. Falwell discovers financial mismanagement and unethical practices within PTL, such as overselling Lifetime Partnership Program. He cancels the Forgiven PR campaign and Lifetime Partnerships, emphasizing the need for change.
Jim Baker's Retreat and Pursuit to Return to PTL
Jim Baker hides in California after the scandal, hoping for redemption by returning to PTL. He faces challenges as Jerry Falwell resists his comeback and financial discrepancies plague PTL. Baker's actions and past decisions continue to haunt him, complicating his path back to PTL.
Richard Dorch's Downfall Amidst PTL's Legal Troubles
Richard Dorch faces accusations of orchestrating hush money payments and financial improprieties at PTL. Despite cooperating with prosecutors, Dorch is implicated in fraudulent activities and pressured to resign. His desperation to secure his position at PTL intensifies as legal troubles escalate.
Jim Baker's Trial and Sentencing Drama
Jim Baker's trial for wire fraud and mail fraud unravels his deceitful practices at PTL. Under intense cross-examination, Baker deflects blame and quotes scripture to justify his actions. Ultimately, he is found guilty on multiple counts and sentenced to serve a reduced prison term after a tumultuous legal battle.
In 1987, the empire that Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker spent their lives building is falling apart. When Jessica Hahn comes forward and alleges Bakker sexually assaulted her, he’s forced to resign as PTL’s leader. Then, Bakker goes through one of the most publicized trials of the decade, exposing his lifestyle and business decisions to the intense scrutiny of evangelical leaders, the press and the federal government.
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