The former pastor of Imperial Valley Ministries has been sentenced to 6 months in prison and 6 months of home confinement.

Victor Gonzalez had pleaded guilty to federal charges of conspiracy to commit benefits fraud committed. As part of the Imperial Valley Ministries drug rehabilitation program, participants were required to raise money for the church. According to federal prosecutors, Gonzales and other defendants associated with the church, took participants welfare benefit funds. Gonzales' wife, Susan, also he'd pled guilty to the charges. She was sentenced to time served. Additional charges against the pair were dismissed with the guilty pleas.