Brittany Koper
Brittany Crouch | |
|---|---|
| Born | Brittany Brianne Crouch May 1, 1985 Anaheim, California, U.S. |
| Other names | Brittany Koper |
| Occupation | Human Resources Professional |
| Spouse | Michael Koper |
| Parent(s) | Paul Crouch Jr. Tawny Crouch |
| Relatives | Paul Crouch, Sr. (grandfather) Jan Crouch (grandmother) Matthew Crouch (uncle) Brandon Crouch (brother) Carra Crouch (sister) |
Brittany Crouch Koper (born May 1, 1985)[1][2] is an American human resources professional. She gained notoriety after she was dismissed from, and filed a lawsuit against attorneys for, the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN). She is the granddaughter of Paul and Jan Crouch, co-founders and directors of the TBN, and daughter of Paul Crouch Jr., formerly of TBN and now with the Word Network.
Early life
[edit]She was born in Anaheim, California, the daughter of Paul Crouch Jr. and Tawny Dryden. She was raised in Irvine, where she attended Woodbridge High School. She was largely raised separate from TBN, but occasionally took part in TBN special events.[2]
In 2002, during a Tulsa Miracle Crusade with popular televangelist Benny Hinn, she and her brother Brandon were laid hands on numerous times. Benny then stated that she had a mighty anointing on her.
Koper attended St. John's University in New York City. In 2007, she moved back to California, where she completed an MBA from Concordia University.[2]
Trinity Broadcasting Network
[edit]Koper worked at TBN from 2007 to 2011, initially serving in the personnel department. She was named Chief Financial Officer of TBN on July 5, 2011. On August 30, 2011, Koper and her husband (a lawyer, also employed by TBN) claim they wrote a confidential memorandum to Paul Crouch Sr., alleging that "we think current TBN practices and procedures violate the IRS Code and State and Federal Laws... we do not feel comfortable being Secretary/Treasurer without bringing these issues forward."[3] Her concerns included that expensive houses, vehicles and other assets were used exclusively by Crouch family members but accounted for as ministry expenses.[4] She has been highly critical of the alleged extravagances of her uncle Matthew Crouch, Vice President and the many millions of dollars transferred into the film company he runs.
One month after the memo, on September 30, 2011, Koper's employment with TBN was terminated.[4] The employment of her husband, brother, sister, and father by TBN was also terminated later that year.[2]
On February 1, 2012, Koper filed a lawsuit against Davert & Loe, a law firm that had previously represented both Koper and TBN. In this lawsuit, Koper alleged that TBN unlawfully distributed over $50 million to the organization's directors. Koper also accused Davert & Loe of professional negligence and fiduciary duty for allegedly secretly filing a lawsuit against her while continuing to serve as her legal counsel.[5]
On May 10, 2012, Koper filed a declaration in support of a lawsuit filed against TBN by her husband's uncle, Joseph McVeigh. In this declaration, Koper alleged that TBN improperly disbursed large sums of money to its directors.[3]
TBN denies these allegations, and alleges that Koper has fabricated or altered several of the documents that she relies on in her declaration.[3][6] They also state that the Kopers moved money into accounts illegally in order to purchase a house and benefit Mr. Koper's uncle.[7] The Kopers say those were proper loans and have been repaid. TBN claims the lawsuit by Koper is simply a way to divert attention from their own misdeeds.
In interviews, Koper described the actions of her grandparents as "illegal and unconscionable."[2][8] However, she says she misses her grandmother (her grandfather, Paul Sr., died in 2013) and has made several attempts at contact, none of which have been answered. Jan Crouch died on May 31, 2016, from complications of a stroke.
References
[edit]- ^ California Birth Index, Name: Brittany Brianne Crouch, Date: 05-01-1985, Mother's Maiden Name: Dryden, Sex: Female, Birth County: Orange.
- ^ a b c d e Sforza, Teri (2012-06-08). "From beloved granddaughter to exiled accuser: Brittany Koper and TBN". OC Watchdog. Orange County Register.
- ^ a b c Sforza, Teri (2012-05-15). "Confidential memo: 'TBN practices ... violate the IRS Code'". OC Watchdog. Orange County Register.
- ^ a b Eckholm, Erik (4 May 2012). "TBN Fight Offers Glimpse Inside Lavish TV Ministry". The New York Times.
- ^ Sforza, Teri (2012-02-09). "Suit: TBN board diverted millions from 'charitable assets'". OC Watchdog. Orange County Register.
- ^ Trinity Broadcasting Network. "TBN Responds to Articles, Allegations Concerning Network Finances".
- ^ Trinity Broadcasting Network. "Long on Stereotypes and Short on Substance, New York Times Article on Trinity Broadcasting Network Misses Mark of Sound Journalism".
- ^ Jackie Alnor (host) (2012-06-09). Apostasy Alert with Jackie Alnor. Rapture Ready Radio. 10 minutes in.