Ephren Taylor Accused of $11 Million Christian Ponzi Scheme by SEC - ABC News

Ephren Taylor Accused of $11 Million Christian Ponzi Scheme by SEC - ABC News:

Today, the Dorios said they are fighting foreclosure. "Our marriage is definitely-- it's-- it's-- it was a strain," Gary Dorio said. "We've had our moments."

But the couple said they have sought comfort in their faith.

"Don't be overcome by evil-- by evil. But overcome evil with good," said Anita Dorio, quoting a Biblical passage.

'via Blog this'

"Everything he says is based on the word of God," Long pledged to the members of his megachurch. But Taylor wasn't a visiting minister. He was a financial adviser, one who claimed to have made his first million before he turned 18. And he promised he could do the same for his fellow Christians.

"We're going to show you how to get wealth and use it for the building of his kingdom," Taylor shouted to the congregation one morning in 2009. It was all part of what he called his "Building Wealth Tour," which crisscrossed the country touting his investments and financial advice.

But according to the Securities and Exchange Commission, what Taylor was actually peddling was a giant Ponzi scheme, one aimed to "swindle over $11 million, primarily from African-American churchgoers," that reached into churches nationwide, from Long's megachurch in Atlanta to Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church congregation in Houston.

But Taylor has disappeared, hiding out from lawsuits, federal charges and angry, mostly African-American, investors in at least 40 states.

Watch the full story on "Nightline" TONIGHT at 11:35 p.m. ET/PT