That Mustache Will Go A Long Way in the Big House

CBNNews.com – The FBI is investigating artist Thomas Kinkade and company executives over allegations that they fraudulently induced investors to open galleries, then ruined them financially, a newspaper reported Tuesday.

Relying on information from former Kinkade dealers contacted by federal agents, the Los Angeles Times reported that the FBI is focusing on issues raised in litigation brought by at least six former Thomas Kinkade Signature Gallery owners.

At least 10 former dealers nationwide have alleged in arbitration claims that the "Painter of Light,” a California native, exploited his Christianity to persuade people to invest in the galleries, which sell only Kinkade's work.

Kinkade Co. spokesman Jim Bryant said the Morgan Hill, Calif.-based company was unaware of an FBI investigation. And he asserted in an e-mail that “that there is no legitimate grounds for a federal investigation of any kind.”

"We are disappointed that rumors and hearsay have been reported in the media in a manner that allows readers to assume legitimacy. The reporting also contains factual inaccuracies," Bryant wrote.

Kinkade has previously denied the allegations in the civil litigation.

Roughly 10 million Americans have a Kinkade painting in their home.