Operator of Christian Non-Profit Indicted in Fraud

Edward Purvis, the man who promised churchgoing investors in Arizona and 12 other states he could make them wealthy while funding Christian causes, was indicted Friday on 43 counts of fraud and theft.

Authorities accuse the 40-year-old Chandler man of operating a multimillion Ponzi-scheme through Nakami Chi Group Ministries International.

"These are very serious charges," Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard said Friday. "Several hundred years (of prison) are in the offing."

The indictment comes on the heels of an $11 million restitution order imposed last month on Purvis and his partner Gregg Wolfe and their wives by the Arizona Corporation Commission, which regulates the sale of securities in the state.

Read the rest at The Arizona Republic.