Feds investigating allegations Ga. Church members were swindled

ATLANTA (AP) -- A federal prosecutor says a criminal investigation has been launched into claims a businessman swindled churchgoers in Georgia and North Carolina out of millions of dollars.<br /> <br /> The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports ( http://bit.ly/1bpYwD7 ) First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Horn says prosecutors are "actively pursuing" an investigation of Ephren Taylor. He declined further comment.<br /> <br /> The Securities and Exchange Commission last year accused Taylor of running a Ponzi scheme by luring worshippers at mostly black churches to invest with his company only to divert the money to fund a lavish lifestyle. He has also been sued by former investors in civil court.<br /> <br /> The newspaper reports Taylor could not be reached for comment. In a statement last year, Taylor compared himself to other business leaders who were "crucified" during the economic downturn.