In the quiet corners of small Black churches across the United States, a man wove a web of deceit that left unsuspecting women entangled in a complex and heartbreaking saga. Meet Orlando Coleman, a man who posed as a pastor, a man of God, while secretly amassing a trail of broken hearts and shattered trust. His story is one of audacity, manipulation, and the pursuit of financial gain. Coleman’s modus operandi was simple yet effective. Armed with charisma and a convincing facade, he infiltrated these close-knit congregations, presenting himself as a Protestant pastor or bishop. His smooth words and apparent devotion to the church won him the trust of vulnerable women seeking spiritual guidance. Little did they know that behind the pulpit stood a wolf in shepherd’s clothing. Coleman’s deception extended far beyond the confines of the church walls. Over the years, he married at least ten women, each believing they were uniting with a man of faith. Their relationships blossomed quickly, fueled by their perception of him as a genuine man of God. But Coleman’s intentions were far from holy. Once the unsuspecting women accepted his proposal, Coleman moved in, and the facade began to crumble. He never consummated these marriages, but he extracted a heavy toll. His victims found themselves

paying for his housing, food, and bills. For Coleman, marriage was a means to an end a way to exploit the goodwill and trust of these women. Coleman’s house of cards began to collapse in 2021. He married two women within five months, one in Virginia and another in Houston. When his Virginia wife discovered he was receiving money from the Houston woman, she contacted the authorities. The truth emerged: Coleman was a serial bigamist, marrying for financial gain. In July 2023, Coleman pleaded guilty to bigamy, a felony in Texas. He received a three-year probation sentence, with the chance to clear his record. But Coleman couldn’t resist the allure of deception. Just two months later, he married yet another woman in Kentucky, all while still married to the woman in Virginia. Prosecutors swiftly moved to revoke his probation, and on March 11, he was sentenced to three years in prison. Orlando Coleman’s tale serves as a stark reminder that wolves can hide in plain sight, even within the sanctuary of a church. His actions left a trail of heartache, shattered dreams, and betrayed trust. As we reflect on this cautionary tale, let us remain vigilant and discerning, ensuring that our faith does not blind us to the wolves among us.