WKYT | Lexington, Kentucky | News, Weather, Sports  Consumer
Alert: Pastor scams people out of millions in gem scheme
LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - He was a man of the cloth and the host
of a television show, but authorities say he betrayed those who
trusted him by stealing millions.  U.S. Postal Inspectors say
Pastor Samuel Solanky came up with a scheme to bilk people out
of millions of dollars.  "He told people if you give me an
investment, you'll get a 100 percent return on your investment
within three months. And I'm going to use your money to buy
gemstones and diamonds in India and sell them to jewelry
manufacturers in the U.S.," says U.S. Postal Inspector John
Marsh.  There was no gemstone business. 35 to 40 people lost
about $3 million. Solanky had connected with many of the victims
through other ministers.  "One victim in particular, she lost
$160,000," says Marsh. "That was pretty much her life savings
that she was to going to use to purchase a home for her and her
family."  Postal Inspectors say there is