According to several media outlets the Wingo family that founded a nationwide food distribution ministry face 49 federal charges including fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundry.

Pastor Joe Wingo, his wife Linda, son Andy and a business associate, Harry Michaels, were indicted this week following a grand jury investigation. The Wingos were reportedly expected to turn themselves in to federal authorities in Macon today. According to Sue McKinney, a spokesperson with the U.S. Attorney's Office in Macon, the Wingos are scheduled to go before Federal Judge Charles Weigle at 2:30 p.m. Friday for a first appearance.

The story first broke on The Walton Tribune Thursday evening when it was reported that a grand jury had handed down the indictment. In September, the ministry went out of business after 17 years, blaming the downturn in the economy. However, the ministry had been under a federal investigation since 2009.

Angel Food Ministries was started in Walton County in 1994 and grew to a ministry that served more than 500,000 families nationwide. The low cost food boxes were distributed through local churches.

Related Topics: Andy Wingo, Fraud, Harry Michaels, Joe Wingo, Linda Wingo, angel food ministries, and money laundering