REV. HENRY LYONS ON TRIAL
				Background Feb. 11 Update Feb. 12 Update Feb. 18 Update Feb. 23 Update March 16 Update March 17 Update March 31 Update (State Sentencing) June 18 Update (Federal Sentencing Analysis)

TAMPA, Fla. (Court TV) — One day after resigning as president of the National Baptist Convention USA, the Rev. Henry Lyons continued his penance by pleading guilty to federal charges of tax evasion and fraud.

"I accept full blame for everything that happened while I was at the helm of the National Baptist Convention," Lyons said outside the federal courthouse after Wednesday's hearing. "When the devil came to Jesus Christ, he tempted him with fame, power and wealth, and I've fallen far short of the standards set by our Lord. I'm just a man. I have made mistakes, and I'm sorry."

As part of Lyons' plea deal, federal prosecutors dismissed 49 other charges that included money laundering, wire fraud, and extortion. The minister pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud, two counts of tax evasion, and one count each of making false statements to a bank officer and the federal government. Lyons' federal trial on the charges was expected to begin in April.

The Rev. Lyons' plea bargain came one day after his tearful resignation from the NBC and two weeks after his conviction on state charges of racketeering and grand theft. He was accused of swindling several corporations out of millions of dollars intended for his organization and using the funds to feed a lavish lifestyle.

Reverend Henry Lyons has pleaded to federal charges of tax evasion and fraud.

Lyons also was convicted of grand theft for misusing $250,000 from the Anti-Defamation League of B'Nai B'rith that was intended to rebuild Southern black churches destroyed by fires.

Lyons could face three to seven years in prison for the state conviction when he is sentenced March 31. Although he could face 75 years in prison for the federal charges, it is likely he will receive a much shorter sentence.

Lyons' wife Deborah was at his side as he addressed reporters outside the courthouse. Deborah Lyons' actions sparked the investigation that led to her husband's downfall. Deborah burned down a $700,000 waterfront Florida home that her husband owned with his organization's public relations director, Bernice Edwards. An investigation by state prosecutors and a series of reports by the St. Petersburg Times revealed a trail of records that suggested Lyons had misused funds intended for the NBC.

Prosecutors said Lyons engaged in a "get-rich scheme" with Edwards that involved misrepresenting the number of Convention members to companies that paid to market their products to the congregation. Lyons, prosecutors said, boasted that his group's members totaled 8.5 million when the membership total was far less.

Bernice Edwards was acquitted of the state charges against her at trial, but she still faces federal prosecution.

Court TV's Bryan Robinson and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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