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The God Texts Behind a Failed Theme Park | Joplin News
A $2 billion theme park dream in Vinita, Oklahoma, now lies in ruins after a bizarre and manipulative scheme unraveled. Executives Richard Silanskas and Larry Wilhite allegedly sent text messages to billionaire investor Gene Bicknell—pretending to be God—to pressure him into funding the park and handing over massive ownership stakes. Silanskas, who recently received a neurological diagnosis, claims he acted out of fear for his life, while Bicknell, who built a Pizza Hut empire, spent nearly $7 million on land only to be sued for fraud. Construction companies now hold liens for unpaid work…
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