Ind. man indicted in alleged church scam

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Federal prosecutors say a Fishers man scammed an Indianapolis church out of more than $300,000 by promising to help it get money to rebuild after a fire.

U.S. Attorney Joe Hogsett said Friday that 67-year-old Hrond Arman Gasparian has been indicted on wire fraud charges.

Defense attorney Michael Donahoe didn't return a telephone message left Friday by The Associated Press seeking comment.

Court documents allege Gasparian defrauded a construction company and the Bells Chapel Church, which had collected insurance after a fire destroyed its building.

Gasparian allegedly claimed to be a broker for a fund that could issue them a $3 million grant to rebuild, and requested a $365,000 commitment. Instead, he allegedly used the money for himself. The church never received any grant or got back its earnest money.