A 55-year-old minister accused of using church funds to live a lavish life pleaded guilty to obstructing bankruptcy court proceedings,
authorities said.

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Robert J. Freeman, also known as Dr. Shine, is accused of using church funds to acquire a $1.7 million residence and 12 luxury vehicles.

He served as pastor and leader of Save the Seed Ministry, Inc., Save the Seed International Church, and Seed Faith International Church.

"The evidence shows that Robert J. Freeman lived a life of fraud and deception, using millions of dollars from church members and fraudulently obtained credit to pay for luxury homes, cars, boats and even a jet airplane while falsely representing in court that he was indigent," said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein in a prepared statement.

Authorities said he concealed his assets from a bankruptcy court. He faces up to 20 years in prison. He is set to be sentenced on Nov. 28.