Longtime Members Sue Church for Allegedly Bilking Them Out of Life Savings

A Southern California megachurch is in hot water amid claims it participated in an investment scheme that defrauded several members of their life savings.

Two members of the Water of Life Community Church filed a federal class action against the church on April 21, claiming negligence, unfair business practices and violations of California consumer law.

According to the 17-page lawsuit, the scheme involved “convicted swindler” and church elder Paul Ricky Mata, whom the church paid to teach members how to invest their money.

Mata is also a close friend of the church’s CEO Dan Carroll, and has been a member of the church since its founding 27 years ago, according to the complaint. Neither Mata nor Carroll are parties to the lawsuit.