Shocking Theme Park Incident Turns Into a Lawsuit Over ‘Jesus’ Claims

In a strange theme park incident, millions of dollars were scammed as some developers attempted to be God. Now, a lawsuit has been filed.

Theme Park Incident Leaves Millions Lost, a Park Crumbled, and a Lawsuit Filed

The excitement was palpable when the American Heartland Theme Park was announced in July 2023—a sprawling, $60 million project poised to bring a uniquely American-themed entertainment destination to Vinita, Oklahoma, along historic Route 66. Promised to open in fall 2026, the park aimed to attract tourists with six themed lands, a four-star hotel, and a large RV campground, sparking hopes for a tourism boom in the region.

Yet, despite the ambitious vision, behind-the-scenes turmoil quickly brewed. Investors who had poured tens of millions into the project found themselves entangled in what now appears to be a shocking case of deception and fraud.

What really happened to this once-promising dream? And how can fans and future investors learn from this dramatic unraveling?

What the Lawsuit Reveals: Fraud, Fake Messages, and Failed Construction

On July 25, 2025, primary investor Gene Bicknell filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma against Rick Silanskas Jr., Larry Wilhite, and Steve Hedrick, accusing them of racketeering, fraud, conspiracy, and other charges.

According to the complaint, the defendants sent Bicknell hundreds of text messages pretending to be God, along with over 100 messages from a fictional nun named “Sister Catherine,” coercing him to invest over $60 million into the project.

Despite the significant funds raised, the only physical work completed was a gravel road and a fence—far short of the expansive theme park, luxury hotel, and massive RV campground originally promised. The lawsuit calls the park “failed” and “fallen apart,” leaving behind millions in debt and deep disappointment in the local community.

The Vision That Was: America’s Heartland on Route 66

The American Heartland Theme Park was designed as a celebration of U.S. history and culture, with six distinct lands:

• Liberty Village

• Great Plains

• Bayou Bay

• Big Timber Falls

• Stony Point Harbor

• Electropolis

Attractions included family-friendly rides like a log flume and a stunt show, as well as a themed barnyard adventure inspired by Charlotte’s Web. Adjacent to the park, the Three Ponies RV Park & Campground was planned to offer 750 RV spaces and 300 cabins, complemented by a four-star hotel with an indoor waterpark to boost visitor comfort and lengthen stays.

The project promised to transform Vinita into a thriving tourist destination, with hopes of spurring regional economic growth and job creation.

How to Spot Trouble: Lessons for Theme Park Fans and Investors

This project’s unraveling offers critical insights for theme park enthusiasts and investors alike:

• Watch for lack of visible progress: After nearly two years, only a gravel road existed, signaling major red flags.

• Question leadership history: One defendant, Rick Silanskas, was previously involved in another failed theme park venture, DreamVision.

• Beware of too-good-to-be-true promises: Ambitious projects promising Disney-level attractions in small markets often face insurmountable challenges.

Fans interested in new parks should look for credible operators with proven track records and transparent updates.

Why This Collapse Hits Hard

The downfall of American Heartland isn’t just a business failure—it’s a cultural blow to Oklahoma and theme park fans dreaming of a unique Americana experience. The lawsuit describes the situation as a “profoundly disappointed community,” with millions of dollars lost and a tourism boost that never materialized.

Social media buzzed with disbelief and sadness as locals and fans voiced their frustration over the dashed hopes. Compared to other theme park projects, this collapse stands out for its bizarre elements, including alleged fake religious texts and dramatic legal claims.

Theme Park Incident: What’s Next for American Heartland and Vinita?

No formal announcements have been made about the project’s future. With lawsuits underway and the defendants facing serious charges, the once-bright future of this ambitious park remains uncertain.

For now, the American Heartland Theme Park remains a cautionary tale about dreaming big—but verifying facts even bigger.