July 4, 2025
Two males have been swindled by their present church member. The lads invested over $20,000. Two years have handed with out a pay-out.
Two Cobb County senior residents say a person they usually see at church stole hundreds of {dollars} from them in an funding scheme.
Edward Wright and Michael Roberson say that Gregory Johnson, a fellow congregant, roped them in a funding turned rip-off. Johnson made them guarantees of great returns via his firm, ARP LLC. The church member of Wright and Roberson claimed his agency dealt in petroleum merchandise.
Wright invested $23,000 after Johnson promised a “nice return.” Roberson wired $27,000, recalling Johnson’s assure to double his cash inside two weeks. Moreover, Johnson promised the 67-year-old a luxurious automobile. Greater than two years later, neither man has acquired a return on their preliminary funding.
“I shouldn’t simply sit again and do nothing as a result of there might be different victims,” Roberson acknowledged, expressing remorse for not researching the corporate earlier than handing over his funds. Financial institution statements verify that each males transferred massive sums to Johnson’s account.
Channel 2 Motion Information investigated ARP LLC and found the enterprise was not registered with the Georgia Secretary of State’s workplace, a authorized requirement for conducting enterprise within the state. Wright filed a proper grievance with the state in 2022, prompting an official inquiry into the corporate.
When contacted by Channel 2, Johnson described the state of affairs as “sophisticated” however insisted the lads could be repaid “inside an inexpensive period of time, inside 30 days.” Pressed on why greater than a 12 months had already handed for the reason that promised reimbursement, Johnson admitted he had no rationalization.
The continued monetary pressure has taken an emotional toll on each males, who proceed to come across Johnson weekly at their church.
“He shouldn’t be in church making an attempt to benefit from individuals,” Roberson remarked.
Wright, who additionally cares for his disabled son, highlighted the impression of the monetary setback.
Roberson has initiated a civil grievance in opposition to Johnson. Court docket paperwork present Johnson contends he isn’t personally liable, asserting the settlement was solely with ARP LLC and never with him as a person. Although, as Johnson’s LLC just isn’t registered, he might certainly be held personally liable.
RELATED CONTENT: Laphonza Butler Joins Actum LLC Agency After Capitol Hill Bid