Michael Grant, nicknamed "Philly Jesus," was arrested on Friday for disorderly conduct and failure to disperse after soliciting donations at Philadelphia's LOVE Park.
Grant is dubbed Philly Jesus because he wears long hair, a beard, and a long robe.
He was ice skating in the park and reportedly refused to vacate the area after a police officer accused him of soliciting.
The 28-year-old is a fixture around Philadelphia, and can be spotted around the city reading Bible passages and performing "baptisms" in public fountains.
"I bring the story of Jesus, the same way they bring it to the movies I bring it to the street," Grant told NBC10.
Some of the city's police officers are familiar with Grant because of his lengthy criminal record, including over a dozen arrests for drug possession, assault, theft, and other charges between 2007 and 2013. Grant insisted that he has overcome his substance abuse problems, however.
"I considered myself completely healed and cured when I surrendered my heart to Jesus Christ," he said.
"I tell people I do not charge but tips and donations are always welcome."
Over the weekend, the Twitter hashtag #FreePhillyJesus appeared online, with dozens of people asking for Grant's release. News that Pope Francis will be visiting Philadelphia next year also spurred on "Philly Jesus" supporters.
"Pope Francis is visiting Philly? Wow...@phillyjesus has CONNECTIONS! #FreePhillyJesus," one Philadelphia man wrote.
Grant's attorney, Charles M Gibbs, said that they will fight the charges against him.
"He's a very decent young man who is simply exercising his First Amendment right of speech," Gibbs told the Philadelphia Inquirer. He also accused the arresting officer of giving Grant an illegal order to disperse.
The Philadelphia Police Department did not respond to a request for comment from the New York Daily News.
Grant will appear in court on December 3.
