Commerce, and Rinaldo became a member of its board of directors. From 1974 through 1978, Ellogos ran a Bingo game in the basement of the American Legion hall. In 1978, Rinaldo was campaign manager for the Republican candidate for Snohomish County Sheriff. Other businesses were established, the most notable being Cascadian Publishing, which published three weekly newspapers: the Monroe Chronicle, the Lake Stevens Lookout, and the Duvall Cascadian. In addition, an art gallery (Golden Gallery), a florist (The Green House), and a carpet store (A-1 Carpet and Floor Covering) were owned or controlled by Rinaldo and his associates. Ellogos also operated the state-licensed Snohomish Preschool and Daycare. In August 1978, Ellogos purchased a recreational property on the Stillaguamish River, sporting a three-story A-frame house with at least seven bedrooms, a bar, and a heated indoor swimming pool. The dark side of Eden Sometime during the spring of 1979, Eden Farms became the subject of two independent investigations, one conducted by the Snohomish County Sheriff's Department, the other led by investigative reporter Gary Larson of the Everett Herald. During the course of his investigation, Larson interviewed 14 former members of Rinaldo's organizations, only one of whom would allow his name to be used in the paper. As a result of these interviews, Larson reported the following facts: Ten people reported that Rinaldo was the leader of a secretive religious organization called simply "The Group". Eight people reported that Rinaldo had led loyalty ceremonies, similar to a communion service, in which members pledged loyalty to him. Five youths reported that they had lived and worked at Eden farm for little or no pay, were strictly controlled and had little freedom. Four people reported that Rinaldo had threatened that anyone leaving the group would experience illness or financial hardship. Three youths reported having been physically assaulted by Rinaldo for breaking rules or angering their superiors. Three women reported that Rinaldo had claimed to be Michael the Archangel, leader of the angels in the Book of Revelation. Three people reported that they had recently left the group after hearing stories about Rinaldo's possible sexual involvement with girls in the group. Two people reported that Rinaldo had told them he was compiling potentially damaging information about various members of the group. Two people reported that Rinaldo had prophesied world catastrophes and was planning to move "The Group" to Arkansas, where they would become "an important