Creflo Dollar, Atlanta-Based Televangelist, Arrested for Fight with Daughter

Creflo Dollar, the Megachurch pastor and televangelist who has faced criticism over the years for his flamboyant lifestyle, was arrested today after allegedly injuring his 15-year old daughter in a fight.

Creflo Dollar Sermon

Authorities from the Fayette County Sheriff's department responded to a call of domestic violence at approximately 1 a.m., according to investigator Brent Rowan, who added that the religious man and his daughter were arguing over whether the latter could go to a party when Dollar "got physical" with her, resulting in "superficial injuries" on the teenager.

Dollar - faces misdemeanor counts of simple battery and cruelty to children - left jail this morning on bail and said in a statement:

"As a father I love my children and I always have their best interest at heart at all times, and I would never use my hand to ever cause bodily harm to my children. The facts in this case will be handled privately to further protect my children. My family thanks you for your prayers and continued support."

Dollar is the pastor for World Changers Church International in the Atlanta suburb of College Park and preaches inside of an 8,500-seat sanctuary called the World Dome. He has five children and has published over 30 books.

He was investigated a few years ago for his use of church-owned luxuries such as airplanes homes and credit cards.

Questions also arose in 1999 after 100 local police officers were given $1,000 each by Dollar, who did so, he said merely to acknowledge their community service.

However, the move came just weeks after a pair of traffic tickets Dollar had received were downgraded to warnings.