AP IMPACT: Tragedy meant big money for NY minister (he helped himself)

Source: AP-Excite

By BRETT J. BLACKLEDGE and DAVID B. CARUSO

NEW YORK (AP) - Before the Sept. 11 attacks, the Rev. Carl Keyes was a little-known pastor of a small New York City congregation searching for members and money.

When the twin towers fell, his fortunes changed.

Donors poured $2.5 million into the minister's charity to help 9/11 victims. More opportunities to raise relief money would come later, with at least another $2.3 million collected for efforts along the hurricane-ravaged Gulf Coast, in the poorest corners of West Virginia and Tennessee, and even in remote African villages.

Tens of millions more flowed through his fingers from the sale of church properties.

FULL story at link.


Read more: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20120924/DA1G2L8G1.html

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In this March 3, 2010 photo, the Rev. Carl Keyes speaks to an audience in Harrisonburg, Va., about his life experiences relating to his organization, Aid for the World. Before the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, Keyes was a little-known pastor of a small New York City congregation searching for members and money. When the twin towers fell, his fortunes changed. Donors poured $2.5 million into the minister’s charity to help 9/11 victims. More opportunities to raise relief money would come later, with at least another $2.3 million collected for efforts along the hurricane-ravaged Gulf Coast, in the poorest corners of West Virginia and Tennessee, and even in remote African villages. Tens of millions more flowed through his fingers from the sale of church properties. But Keyes, a one-time construction worker, did more than help the needy with the millions donated - he helped himself. According to financial records, internal correspondence and interviews with former employees conducted by The Associated Press, Keyes blurred the lines between his charities, his ministry and his personal finances while promoting himself as an international humanitarian. (AP Photo/Ryan Freeland)