A man who denies conning people of €177,000 said yesterday that he hoped to turn $50,000 into $98 million in less than 45 days. Thomas Elvin (50) told his own trial that he now lives on social welfare and has 20 cows on a small farm. The jury will consider its verdict today.
Elvin, of Meencargagh, Ballybofey, told Donegal Circuit Court of his intention as a born-again Christian to raise money for good causes. He came across Larry Marsella, of Florida, on the internet and, after an exchange of emails and phone calls, he believed Marsella could help him raise lots of money.