The FBI is asking potential victims of an Arlington man accused of orchestrating an elaborate church investment fraud scheme to come forward as investigators build their case. Richard Garcia was recently charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. Inve stigators say he is accused of defrauding more than 50 victims of more than $3.2 million through various church investment schemes. Federal investigators allege he convinced victims to invest in so-called “church flipping” real estate projects and joint ventures for Christian concerts and other church programs by making false promises of significant returns. According to court documents, the alleged scheme spanned from August 2021 through April 2025. The FBI says Garcia allegedly controlled bank accounts in church-related names including: Ministerio Gracia, Iglesia Gracia de Texas, Gracia Church of Texas, and Pesar de Todo, LLC. Investigators allege he instructed victims to send money to those accounts and label the transfers as “donations.” Garcia is accused of targeting members of his church congregation, their family members, and friends, according to the FBI. The FBI has launched a public victim information page asking anyone who believes Garcia victimized them or a family member to complete an online questionnaire. Investigators said the information could help identify additional victims, support the ongoing investigation, and determine eligibility for victim services, restitution, and other rights under federal or state law. The FBI said responses are voluntary and that victims’ identities will be kept confidential. A Spanish-language version of the questionnaire is also available. Garcia has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. The charges are allegations, and Garcia is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. ...read more read less