MASSACHUSETTS
Worcester Telegram & Gazette
By Mark Sullivan
Telegram & Gazette Staff
Posted Jun. 3, 2015
ASHLAND – A church whose members allegedly were targeted in a $3.5 million Ponzi scheme run by a former elder of the congregation says it is encouraging members who “may have fallen victim” to assist in the investigation.
Charles L. Erickson, former director of MetroWest Ministries in Ashland, is alleged to have bilked investors of millions in a pyramid investment scheme he claimed was inspired by the Holy Spirit.
A complaint filed by the securities division of the Massachusetts secretary of state’s office charges Mr. Erickson defrauded at least 25 investors, about a third of them recruited from his Ashland congregation.
The Connect Community Church in Ashland released the following statement:
“Five months ago, one of the members of the church, Charles Erickson, resigned his membership in the church acknowledging that he had deceived several members in a commodities investment scheme.
“The Board of Elders has removed Mr. Erickson from his position as an elder as the result of his actions.
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