Dead Megachurch Pastor Found With Suspected Drugs

The Florida megachurch pastor discovered dead in a Times Square hotel room was found with a white powdery substance believed to be narcotics, police sources have told several newspapers. Zachery Tims, founder of Orlando's 8,000-member New Destiny Christian Center, was discovered by hotel workmen lying on his back between the bedroom and living area of his Manhattan room. A glassine envelope of white powder was found in the pocket of the shorts he was wearing, a source told the Wall Street Journal. Police are awaiting autopsy results and tests on the powder. There were no signs of trauma on the body of the 42-year-old pastor, and no indications of a robbery, according to police.

Tims became a young drug addict in Maryland and was "miraculously saved" by his faith, according to his website. He founded his church with his wife, Riva, in 1996. The couple divorced later because of Tims' affair with a stripper, and Riva then founded her own church. Condolences are pouring into New Destiny over the loss of the popular pastor. (More Times Square stories.)