Tom Cruise ‘funds the church’ Scientology PI tells cops
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Published: Saturday, April 18, 2015, 4:08 AM
Updated: Saturday, April 18, 2015, 4:31 AM
PAUL WHITE/AP There’s no mission impossible for Scientologists.
Tom Cruise is such a force for Scientology that followers believe the action movie star bankrolls much of the church’s dealings – even its network of spies.
That’s what a private investigator allegedly effective for Scientology leader David Miscavige – billing the church $ 10,000 per week – told Wisconsin police when they brought the gumshoe in for questioning in July 2013.
“Where do you think the funding comes from?” an investigator questioned Florida-based PI Daniel Powell in audio recordings obtained by The Day after day News.
“Probably Tom Cruise,” Powell said around the 36-minute mark.
There’s audible laughter on the recording, but it’s no joke.
“I’m being honest,” Powell continued. “That’s probably where it comes from.”
The 21-year-ancient Powell spoke with West Allis Police after his father, Dwayne S. Powell, was stopped while staking out Miscavige’s 79-year-ancient father.
Cops learned two rifles, four handguns, 2,000 rounds of ammunition, a stun gun and homemade silencer on the elder Powell.
“(Tom Cruise) funds the church with anything they need. So he’s pretty much funding all of this,” Powell said of the army of people he alleged the church was spying on.
hbo
The Church of Scientology focal point in Hollywoo, Calif.
© Luke MacGregor / Reuters/REUTERS
Scientology leader David Miscavige.
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“We make jokes all the time – when Tom Cruise’s last movie came out – it was a terrible movie,” Powell said. “We we’re going around telling everybody how awesome the movie was. Go see the movie so Tom Cruise can get paid and we can get paid.”
The sci-fi tap “Oblivion” debuted in April 2013. Despite mixed reviews, the film grossed $ 286 million worldwide.
“Makes sense,” the cop said.
West Allis Police Dept.
Photos of guns and license plates found in the rental car of Florida private investigator Dwayne Powell, 42.
West Allis Police Dept.
Photos of guns and license plates found in the rental car of Florida private investigator Dwayne Powell, 42.
West Allis Police Dept.
Photos of guns and license plates found in the rental car of Florida private investigator Dwayne Powell, 42.
West Allis Police Dept.
Photos of guns and license plates found in the rental car of Florida private investigator Dwayne Powell, 42.
West Allis Police Dept.
Photos of guns and license plates found in the rental car of Florida private investigator Dwayne Powell, 42.
West Allis Police Dept.
Photos of guns and license plates found in the rental car of Florida private investigator Dwayne Powell, 42.
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Miscavige, 54, was an aide to Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard and assumed leadership of the Florida-based church after Hubbard’s death in 1986.
The church denied any connection to Powell, who reportedly partnered with his son to follow Ronald Miscavige Sr. in 2013.
Dwayne Powell recently said he is no longer effective as a private investigator or for the church.
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