Houston Pastor convicted in $3.6M fraud case returns to megachurch after prison release

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Houston pastor KirbyJon Caldwell has returned to the megachurch he helped build in southwest Houston.

His return to Windsor Village Church on Sunday comes nearly a year after his early release from prison last year, after pleading guilty to wire fraud.

READ RELATED: Noted Houston pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell released early from prison, megachurch says

Caldwell, who once served as a spiritual adviser to Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, served time behind bars in Beaumont for defrauding investors out of nearly $3.6 million. Federal court documents show Caldwell's co-conspirator was "responsible for finding investors." Caldwell says no one from his church was defrauded.

Court documents show Caldwell paid full restitution. Court documents accused Caldwell and his co-defendant of wiring $25,000 out of a church account. Caldwell repaid that money, a representative told ABC13.

Caldwell took to the mic on Sunday.

"I went all the way to Beaumont, Texas, looked all around, couldn't find nobody," Caldwell said.

His congregation and friends welcomed him with open arms.

"It's such a blessing to have our visionary pastor back at church. We are so excited," a member of the church said.

"My friend is home and free to use all of his skills and gifts to not only Pastor this church, but pastor this community," Pastor and Congressman Emanuel Cleaver said.

Cleaver and others in the community said they believe Caldwell has repented and is touched by God to continue his work.

"There's a big word that we use biblically and theologically, and it is forgiveness, and somebody who cannot move past that, maybe should rethink their commitment to God," Cleaver said.

The church announced that Caldwell will deliver his first sermon back next Sunday.