Ponzi pastor's sentence cut
• Psychics & Other Frauds
An appeals court has ruled that thieving old Haywood "Don" Hall's 15 year prison sentence for fraud conviction must be reduced. The prosecutors failed to prove that Hall was in a 'position of trust' (makes me feel like I'm watching an episode of Law & Order).
Hall and his Greater Ministries International Church milked the faithful for more than half a billion dollars.
Authorities said Hall and other church leaders led one of the largest Ponzi schemes in American history, bilking investors nationwide as one leader proclaimed they had been anointed by God to enrich Christians.
Hall, 62, was convicted of mail fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy and three counts of mail fraud.
Investors would give money to the church in increments of $250 and within 17 months they were supposed to receive double their money. Many investors, however, lost all their money, court records said.
AP: Court: Minister who ran Ponzi scheme should get shorter sentence