The Church on the Hill.
Credit: Nicolaus Czarnecki/Metro
The head of a Beacon Hill church was indicted Wednesday morning for allegedly taking money from the church and intimidating other members during his time in power.
Edward MacKenzie Jr., 54, of Weymouth, faces charges including racketeering, mail fraud conspiracy, extortion and bribery, according to the US Attorney’s office.
MacKenzie has been director of operations for the Boston Society of the New Jerusalem church, also known as the Church on the Hill, since 2003. Federal agents were seen carrying evidence boxes out of the church earlier this month, according to the State House News Service.
The indictment alleges that MacKenzie looted the church of “its considerable financial assets” through fraud, deceit, extortion, theft and bribery, according to authorities.
MacKenize faces up to 20 years in prison on each charge if found guilty.
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