Career
Born in Granite City, Illinois, Dortch served as a pastor early in his ministerial career, and was also a missionary to Belgium (1959–1964) where he helped found and lead Emmanuel Bible Institute in Andrimont, Belgium. In 1988 he, along with other executives of PTL, was indicted on federal charges of fraud and conspiracy. In a plea bargain, Dortch pleaded guilty to reduced charges and was sentenced to eight years in prison, later cut to two and a half years.
Dortch wrote several books about personal integrity and restoration.
Until just prior to his death he hosted a long-standing twoto three-hours prayer service called "America"s Prayer Meeting" on the Christian Television Network. The nightly broadcast reached 55 million households around the world.
