A former Sullivan County pastor serving 54 years in prison on securities fraud after leading a massive Ponzi scheme is seeking to have his conviction and prison sentence set aside.
In December 2010, former pastor and Alanar Founder Vaughn Reeves Sr. was sentenced on nine counts of securities fraud. Each count carries a sentence of six years, with the sentences to be served consecutively. Alanar was billed as a faith-based church financing entity.
In 2011, Reeves conviction was reaffirmed by the Indiana Court of Appeals.
In July 2012, Reeves filed a two-part motion for post conviction relief, claiming his trial counsel was ineffective and failed to conduct a professional investigation of his case.
Reeves, 78, is not eligible for release until Aug. 25, 2035.
On Thursday, his petition was heard in Sullivan County before Greene County Superior Court Judge Dena Martin, who is serving as special judge in the case.
John Tompkins, Indianapolis attorney for Reeves, called five witnesses to the stand, including Reeves.
After hearing the witnesses, Martin gave both the prosecution and defense until Nov. 29 to file written findings and conclusions, saying she would rule after reviewing the filings.
Martin oversaw Reeves trial and sentencing in 2010 in Sullivan County.
In the hearing’s opening, special prosecutor Stan…
