William Neil “Doc” Gallagher, an 80-year-old Christian radio personality from Texas and author of the Jesus Christ, Money Master Leader Guide, was sentenced to three life sentences plus an additional 30 years in prison for defrauding more than 190 people of at least $23 million. Many were older Christians.
Lori Varnell, chief of the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Elder Financial Fraud Team, said in a press statement — “Gallagher is one of the worst offenders I have seen. He ruthlessly stole from his clients who trusted him for almost a decade. He amassed $32 million in loss to all of his clients and exploited many elder individuals. He worked his way around churches preying on people who believed he was a Christian.”
Gallagher, who was once president and CEO of the Gallagher Financial Group, described himself on the company website as an experienced financial advisor, financial journalist and author who also served as an instructor at Texas Christian University.
His company’s mission was “to be a vehicle of God’s peace and comfort to as many people as possible, helping first with their financial peace of mind, then also with their spiritual, emotional and family well-being.” He also advertised on Christian radio with the tagline: “See you in church on Sunday.”
Despite the claims of his company to Christian virtues, the prosecutors say Gallagher was busy bilking seniors out of millions through a Ponzi scheme, which he pleaded guilty to running.