Businessman Confesses to Posing as God and Sending Fake Religious Messages to Secure Millions for New Theme Park from 91-Year-Old Investor

A businessman has been embroiled in controversy after admitting to deceiving a 91-year-old investor into funding a major theme park project, using false religious emails to persuade him that he was being called by God to take part in the venture. The allegations surfaced during a legal dispute in an Oklahoma court, centring around the American Heartland Theme Park, which was set to make a significant economic impact on the area before its collapse.

Richard M. Silanskas Jr., one of the accused business partners, disclosed in court that he had created fake email accounts under the guise of religious figures, including one impersonating a nun named “Sister Catherine.” These emails bore titles like “Today’s Word” and were intended to convince O. Gene Bicknell to invest millions in the American Heartland Theme Park project.

The project was first announced in 2023, promising to rival famous attractions like Walt Disney World in Florida by creating approximately 4,000 jobs and generating substantial tourism revenue. However, plans faltered amid legal troubles and allegations of psychological manipulation, resulting in a dramatic fallout for those involved.

Silanskas’ admissions were revealed in court documents obtained by PEOPLE. The legal filings indicated that he had, at one point, ‘decided’ to reveal information he had previously withheld from Bicknell and the other investors. His testimony described a troubling dynamic where he chose selectively what to disclose, contributing to the alleged manipulation against the vulnerable investor.

The lawsuit, initiated by Bicknell against Silanskas and his associates—Richard Wilhite and theme park designer Stephen Hedrick—illustrates a “predatory conspiracy of psychological manipulation.” Bicknell’s legal team argued that the partners deliberately targeted him, knowing his deep Christian faith, to persuade him that divine intervention was calling for his financial backing of the venture.

Moreover, the complaint highlighted a litany of serious allegations, including civil conspiracy, fraud, and even impersonation of Bicknell without his consent. Among the claims, it stated that the project not only left Bicknell feeling exploited, but also dashed the hopes of the northeastern Oklahoma community that had anticipated an economic renaissance driven by the theme park.

As the lawsuit progresses, defendants have expressed shock at Silanskas’ revelations. Chris Davis, representing Wilhite, mentioned that his client was taken aback to learn about Silanskas’ actions. Davis insisted that Wilhite had no prior knowledge of the fraudulent emails until they surfaced during the discovery phase of the legal proceedings.

Likewise, Liz George, attorney for Hedrick, has maintained that her client was not involved in the deceitful communications, asserting that Silanskas’ testimony aligns with the evidence observed throughout the legal process. This ongoing case has not only called into question ethical practices among the project’s key players but also highlighted the vulnerability of elderly investors who may be targeted by fraudulent tactics.

Bicknell’s legal action against his former partners includes serious constitutional claims under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. This accusation underscores the gravity of the allegations, showcasing the potential criminality of their actions which contributed to Bicknell’s distress, exacerbated by a severe medical incident in July 2024.

While the American Heartland project was intended to bring hope and revitalisation to Oklahoma’s economy, the unexpected turn of events has left a convoluted situation in its wake, tarnishing the reputations of those involved and leaving many questions unanswered. As this case unfolds in court, the implications for all parties will be closely monitored, with the spectre of disillusionment hanging over a once-promising venture.

Legal experts and investors alike are awaiting further developments in the case, which serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers in the financial world, especially for vulnerable individuals. The eventual outcome could set important legal precedents regarding investment manipulations and the protections offered to senior citizens in financial transactions.