ATLANTA, Oct. 29 (UPI) -- A controversial Georgia preacher who served a prison sentence for whipping children at his church was killed in a house fire in Atlanta, officials say.
The Rev. Arthur Allen, pastor of the non-denominational House of Prayer, died Monday morning, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. The fire broke out just before noon, and other people in the building escaped unharmed, fire officials said.
The cause was still under investigation Tuesday.
Allen became a national figure in 2001 after he was charged with cruelty to children. An investigation began after teachers found bruises and other injuries on two boys who attended his church.
He eventually served two years in prison.
Allen also advocated early marriage for girls, saying they should be allowed to take husbands at 14. He said that would prevent unwed motherhood and dependence on welfare.
Members of his congregation refused to talk to reporters Tuesday, the Journal-Constitution said.
