Self-proclaimed 'medicine man' faces gun and tax evasion charges


Reuben DeHaan. Photo from Get Well Stay Well at Home

A self-proclaimed "medicine man" who claims to be affiliated with the Native American Church has been hit with gun and tax evasion charges.

Reuben DeHaan of Kings Mountain, North Carolina, says he was born to missionary parents and raised in the Amazon jungles of South America. He runs a set of businesses that authorities said pulled in more than $2.7 million from 2008 through 2014.

But the man who refers to himself as a "doctor" never paid taxes and even claims to be the minister of the "Native American Church of Nemenha," according to an indictment filed on Wednesday. An undercover agent went to the Health Care Ministry International at DeHann's residence and was charged various fees, indicating that his organization is functioning as a business rather than a genuine religious group.

Additionally, DeHaan is accused of possessing illegal firearms. Two guns were discovered in a bunker that he was apparently constructing at his home as part of his supposed church, according to another indictment filed on Thursday.

Authorities were called to DeHaan's home on Thursday, according to news reports.

Get the Story:
FBI, IRS respond to home of 'medicine man' in Kings Mountain (WBTV 4/21)
Federal charges filed against 'medicine man' in Kings Mountain (WSOC 4/22)
Feds raid Kings Mountain man's home (WCNC 4/22)

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