Fake Missionary Accused of Decade-Long $30 Million Scam; Misused Funds Intended for China Bible Distribution to Support Gambling, Diamond, and Gold Purchases

A fugitive is charged with masterminding a nearly decade-long $30 million bible scam.

Jason Gerald Shenk, 45, is accused of executing the scam using funds from faith-based charities and individuals in Ohio and North Carolina from April 2010 to July 2019.

According to prosecutors, Shenk reportedly told donors the money would be used to provide Bibles and Christian literature to China.

“When people of faith donate money for evangelistic purposes, they reasonably expect those who solicit their donations to act as faithful stewards of those funds,” said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.  “This case alleges an egregious breach of that trust at the expense of multiple charities and individual donors.”

As stated in the indictment, Shenk posed as a missionary to solicit donations.  However, a substantial portion of the funds raised were used for various purchases unrelated to religious endeavors.

Shenk is accused of spending large sums, including about $1 million on online sports gambling, obtaining $4 million in life insurance policies, and purchasing around $1 million of diamonds, gold, and precious metals.  He is facing charges of wire fraud, money laundering, and failure to report foreign bank accounts.