Secret Service, IRS Investigate Atlanta Megachurch

LITHONIA, Ga. -- Federal officials say they're investigating issues surrounding investment seminars hosted by a metro Atlanta megachurch after some former members say they lost their retirement savings.

U.S. Secret Service spokesman Mark Ritchie said agents have seized laptops from employees at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia.

WSB-TV first reported details of the federal probe.

Ritchie says the IRS is the primary federal agency involved, and the Secret Service is assisting the IRS and DeKalb County police.

DeKalb police Lt. Pam Kuntz said the department forwarded its information to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Ten former church members are suing New Birth and Bishop Eddie Long, saying they conspired with others to defraud them through "wealth-building" seminars and sermons.

New Birth spokesman Art Franklin declined to comment on the lawsuit.