Florida of Zika virus. On March 29, 2020, Howard-Browne's congregation received a visit from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office warning about his violations of the county's safer-at-home order, which limited public gatherings to 10 people. The next day, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister announced that he had issued an arrest warrant for unlawful assembly and for violating rules regarding public health emergencies after Howard-Browne continued to hold large church services in defiance of the public order. Chronister said he had no choice but to take action against Howard-Browne, stating "His reckless disregard for human life put hundreds of people from his congregation at risk and thousands of residents who may interact with them this week." On March 30, 2020, Howard-Browne was arrested and jailed for unlawful assembly and for violating health and safety rules, with each charge carrying a maximum penalty of 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. He was released from jail after posting a $500 bond. On April 1, Howard-Browne said that he would not open his church the following weekend over fear of his congregation's safety and to protect them from "government tyranny." However, his lawyer, Mathew Staver of the law firm Liberty Counsel, said that Howard-Browne's arrest earlier in the week had led to the pastor's insurance policy being cancelled. Howard-Browne also claimed that he had received death threats. The pastor held open the possibility that the church would be open for Easter services but then announced on April 9 that it would instead be closed. Prosecutors dropped the charges on May 15, deeming that Howard-Browne posed no ongoing risk to public health after he took steps to maintain responsible social distancing at the church. Starting in May 2020, he reopened the church as TheStand20. References External links Revival Ministries International website 1961 births Living people 20th-century American male writers 20th-century Christian mystics 20th-century Christian clergy 20th-century Protestant religious leaders 21st-century American male writers 21st-century Christian mystics 21st-century Christian clergy 21st-century Protestant religious leaders American conspiracy theorists American Pentecostal pastors American television evangelists Christian revivalists Faith healers People from the Eastern Cape Religious leaders from Florida South African Charismatics South African clergy Writers from Tampa, Florida