Zachery Tims, Florida Megachurch Pastor, Found Dead in NYC With Pocketful of White Powder

Zachery Tims' body was found at the luxury hotel in Times Square.

August 15, 2011

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As a teenager, Zachery Tims was a drug addict who found himself convicted of attempted murder. He decided to turn to religion because, he said, "God has a greater plan." He eventually founded an Orlando-area megachurch. The ending to God's plan for Tims? He was found dead this past weekend in a guest room at the W Hotel in New York City.

Tims' body was found Friday afternoon at the luxury hotel in Times Square when a worker entered his room to check the minibar.

The Wall Street Journal reports that authorities located a white glassine envelope filled with white powder in the right pocket of the pastor's shorts. They believe the powder to be a narcotic. Glassine envelopes are often used to store substances such as cocaine and heroin. Authorities have not confirmed whether the powder was connected to the death.

Tims founded the New Destiny Christian Center in Apopka, Florida, in 1996. The church now counts more than 8,000 members. Tims also made a name for himself in televangelism and frequently appeared on TBN.

However, Tims didn't always practice what he preached. He divorced his wife and mother of his four children in 2009 after admitting to a yearlong extramarital affair with a stripper.

Kyle Munzenrieder

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