An Arlington, Texas resident with ties to several Arlington and Mansfield churches was indicted for alleged conduct related to a scheme to defraud through his church-related entities, according to a July 14 announcement from United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould.
Richard Reinaldo Garcia, 53, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Fort Worth on June 2 for one count of wire fraud conspiracy, two counts of wire fraud, and one count of aggravated identity theft.
“The defendant allegedly took advantage of his victims’ faith by promising significant profits through investment opportunities but instead used their funds to selfishly enrich himself at their expense,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “We will not stand idly by while North Texans fall victim to these unscrupulous schemes, and my office will work hard to seek out and prosecute those that commit these types of crimes.”
“The FBI remains committed to investigating those who misuse positions of trust to further fraudulent investment schemes. The FBI encourages anyone who may be a victim to access the Seeking Victims page on our website,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock.
According to the indictment, from August 2021 through April 2025, Garcia and others allegedly made false material misstatements based on promises of significant profits for his victims. These misstatements induced victims into agreements and providing funds for “church flipping” real estate improvement projects and “joint venture” agreements related to Christian music concerts and other church programs. Garcia then allegedly used victim funds for personal expenses and business operating costs.
The indictment states that Garcia controlled bank accounts in names such as Ministerio Gracia, Iglesia Gracia de Texas, Gracia Church of Texas, and Pesar de Todo LLC. He allegedly directed several victims to transfer funds labeled as “donations” into these accounts when they were actually solicited as part of the alleged fraudulent scheme. According to the indictment, more than 50 victims across the United States and internationally paid over $3.2 million as a result.
The case is set for trial in Fort Worth on Oct. 13. If convicted, Garcia faces up to 20 years in federal prison for each count of wire fraud or conspiracy charges and a mandatory two-year sentence for aggravated identity theft.
The FBI requests potential victims visit its website or fill out an online questionnaire available in English or Spanish regarding this matter.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Fort Worth Resident Agency; Assistant U.S. Attorney Mac McDonald is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas covers approximately eight million residents over a 96,000-square-mile area with offices including Dallas’ Earle Cabell Federal Building along with branches in Fort Worth, Lubbock, Amarillo, and Abilene; it employs around 100 assistant attorneys plus support staff; prosecutes federal crimes; manages civil litigation; promotes community trust through outreach initiatives; operates under the Department of Justice umbrella, according to its official website.