But now, after six years of experience and contacts, Mr. Sun feels ready to make his move.

Mr. Sun, who is 50, grew up in a farm family.

Mr. Sun eventually collected about $22 million from 4,600 area households, official newspapers said.

Mr. Sun had not been shy in making charges about his difficulties getting loans.

"Certainly he understood that people might use these pictures to try to make themselves look good," Mr. Sun said.

Mr. Sun did not say who the officials were.

Mr. Sun and the other peasants have their complaints, of course.

Mr. Sun said that with the criminal prosecution concluded, the family wanted to move forward.

But for others, like Mr. Sun, the persecution was just beginning.

Mr. Sun said he has finally given up.