Philadelphia

Philly Jesus Rejoices, Charges Dropped

The District Attorney of Philadelphia announced its intention to withdraw charges against Philly Jesus, according to a statement from the Center City celebrity's attorney.

"The DA's decision reaffirms our contention all along: Philly Jesus' arrest for pre-textual charges was without legal merit," said Charles Gibbs, an attorney for 28-year-old Michael Grant -- who wears a long white robe and carries a staff while reciting scripture in LOVE Park.

Grant --the City of Brotherly Love’s pious answer to Times Square’s Naked Cowboy-- pleaded not guilty Thursday to disorderly conduct and failure to disperse charges.

An officer arrested him on Nov. 14 for allegedly soliciting money from tourists who were taking photos with him, according to reports.

A recovering drug addict, Grant embraced Jesus as part of his efforts to maintain his sobriety.

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"I considered myself completely healed and cured when I surrendered my heart to Jesus Christ,"  Grant, who said he has been sober since June 4, 2013, told NBC10 in September.

Shortly after his arrest, the BBC announced it would tell his story, which includes occasionally baptizing people in the fountain of LOVE Park.

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