An American church pastor has landed himself in hot water over allegations of running a brothel disguised as a healing church in Tucson, Arizona.

On July 30, John LaVoie, a pastor of the church of liberty was charged with offences including money-laundering and crimes relating to prostitution which he denied on the grounds of the religious practice of “laying on of hands” – a biblical method of healing.

To avoid paying compensation in the region of $2 Million, Lavoie claims to have the religious freedom to exercise the right of offering comfort through laying on of hands. However, the prosecution allege that the girls working at Angel’s Heaven church were embroiled in prostitution.

The new-found allegations follow a police sting on the relaxation spa back in 2004. At this time, the premises were searched but no formal charges were made after it was dismissed as an unlicensed massage parlour.

The dismissal occurred after Tucson Police officer, Detective Michael Moser breached the case by admitting to having sex with one of the Angels on more than one occasion albeit not on the premises.

The church’s website contains profiles of the Angels with descriptions boasting; “Come see me now and I’ll put a sparkle back in your eyes.” Lavoie states that he was suffering illness and personal problems before opening Angel’s Heaven.

Maricopa County Superior Court has now issued a permanent order to prevent LaVoie being in any future massage business. LaVoie continues to argue that his freedom of religion is being violated.