Settlement reached in Angel Food suit

The legal fight over Angel Food Ministries, a $137 million nonprofit whose managing family has drawn millions in salaries, loans and benefits, is over for now.

The two board members —- who sued the nonprofit claiming that Joe Wingo, his wife and sons were damaging it with their profligate financial ways —- and the Wingos came to an agreement in Walton County Superior Court Friday. Angel Food feeds 500,000 families a month in 39 states through low-cost grocery sales.

According to the agreement approved by Judge John M. Ott, the Wingos’ company credit cards will be canceled, the nonprofit will undergo a forensic financial audit, and Joe Wingo will sign over to Angel Food a company he owns that was renting a corporate jet to the nonprofit at $10,000 a month profit.

Attorneys for the nonprofit and the Wingos said other issues already have been addressed.

Thomas Rogers, attorney for suing board members Craig Atnip of Texas and David “Tony” Prather of Georgia, said the two have agreed to leave the board as part of the deal. They will retain standing to take any actions when the forensic audit comes in, he said.

Joe Wingo and son Wesley will retain their agency roles. During the hearing, attorneys said Linda Wingo left her position last year and son Andy left in late 2007.