Godwin minister charged with enslaving children dies

GODWIN — To some, John C. McCollum was a Christ-like father figure who took in downtrodden, struggling people and gave them a hand up from their hard lives.

To others, he was a charlatan minister who abused and exploited children and young people for decades at his compound out in the country northeast of Fayetteville — enslaving some to work at his fish markets and other businesses in and around Fayetteville and Cumberland County.

On Wednesday, McCollum died of congestive heart failure, his lawyer said. He was 67.

Any justice he’ll get following his arrest in December on accusations of involuntary servitude of children, conspiracy, and other crimes is in the hands of God.

Read more: http://www.fayobserver.com/news/20180829/godwin-minister-charged-with-enslaving-children-dies