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Plea bargain hinges on sale of facilities

Wednesday, April 03, 2002

By Steve Levin, Post-Gazette Staff Writer

With jury selection scheduled to begin today in the trial of W. Michael Altman, the former pastor charged with swindling his congregants through an investment scheme, prosecutors and defense attorneys spent yesterday haggling over possible plea bargain agreements.

At the center of discussion is the long-delayed sale of the Grace Christian Ministries building, parsonage and five-acre site at 612 Coal Road in West Mifflin.

The sale, estimated to fetch $950,000, will be used to repay 33 investors who lost about $480,000 in an investment plan run by Altman. In addition, there are tax liens, taxes and other costs still owed by the church that will sap the remaining money.

"I've always hoped that the closing would take place and take the pressure off my client," said Sumner Parker, Altman's attorney.

The sale to the Second Baptist Church of Homestead originally was planned for January. The closing now hinges on approval of a zoning variance for a day-care center on the church property. The request is expected to be heard April 16 in West Mifflin.

Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala Jr. said yesterday his office would not agree to any plea bargain before the 33 investors and several other former church members were repaid.

And he insisted that Altman would serve time in state prison.

Altman, 48, has been charged with 86 counts of fraud and deception in connection with the investment plan and other accounting practices at the church.

Altman also is charged with two dozen other counts of forcing a secretary to have sex, fabricating and tampering with evidence, violating state securities laws, criminal conspiracy and other misdemeanors.