Tag:

Ponzi Scheme

Westchester Man, Partner Sentenced For Roles In $1M Ponzi Scheme Westchester Man, Partner Sentenced For Roles In $1M Ponzi Scheme
Westchester Man, Partner Sentenced For Roles In $1M Ponzi Scheme A Westchester County man and his business partner have been sentenced for their roles in a nearly decade-long $1-million Ponzi scheme. White Plains resident James Doyle, age 74, and Carl Carro, age 61, of Walton, Delaware, were convicted of defrauding investors in New York and throughout the nation. On Thursday, Jan. 12, Carro was sentenced to four to eight years in prison, and Doyle was sentenced to five years probation, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced. As part of their respective sentences, Carro and Doyle agreed to pay a total of more than $1 million in judgments …
Bernie Madoff Ponzi Scheme Victims To Get $372M More In Distributions, Feds Announce Bernie Madoff Ponzi Scheme Victims To Get $372M More In Distributions, Feds Announce
Bernie Madoff Ponzi Scheme Victims To Get $372M More In Distributions, Feds Announce Thousands of Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi scheme victims will be receiving their portions of the latest distribution of more than $370 million. US Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams announced that the Madoff Victim Fund will be distributing approximately $372 million to 40,000 victims worldwide who were involved in the fraud scheme. Earlier Report: Madoff Ponzi Scheme Victims To Get Nearly $500M More In Distributions To date, approximately $4 billion has been distributed to Madoff’s victims. Williams said that this eighth payment will bring the victims’ total re…
Decomposed Body Found In Connecticut Home ID'd As Ponzi Swindler, Jeffrey Epstein Mentor Decomposed Body Found In Connecticut Home ID'd As Ponzi Swindler, Jeffrey Epstein Mentor
Decomposed Body Found In Connecticut Home ID'd As Ponzi Swindler, Jeffrey Epstein Mentor A body found in a Connecticut home during a welfare check has positively been identified as Steven Hoffenberg, a longtime mentor of Jeffrey Epstein. Hoffenberg, the one-time owner of the New York Post and businessman who spent 18 years in prison for a $460 million Ponzi scheme, was found in the New Haven County home around 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 23, in the city of Derby. According to the Derby Police, the medical examiner's office confirmed on Friday, Aug. 26, that the badly decomposed body was that of Hoffenberg.  An initial autopsy did not find signs of trauma on the body, the…
Man Sentenced For $12M Ponzi Scheme That Included Victim From Norwalk Man Sentenced For $12M Ponzi Scheme That Included Victim From Norwalk
Man Sentenced For $12M Ponzi Scheme That Included Victim From Norwalk A New York man was sentenced for his role in a $12 million Ponzi scheme that targeted nearly 50 victims from throughout the region and the nation between 2015 and 2017. Long Island resident Matthew Eckstein, age 52, of Syosset, was sentenced on Monday, July 11 to three-and-a-half to 10-and-a-half years in prison. Eckstein originally pleaded guilty to the charges on September 26, 2019, but later withdrew his plea. A new indictment was secured in August 2020, but court closures related to the COVID-19 pandemic further delayed the case. “This defendant preyed upon seniors and hard-working men…
Owner, CEO Of Manhattan Investment Fund Among Trio Indicted For $1.8B Ponzi-Like Scheme Owner, CEO Of Manhattan Investment Fund Among Trio Indicted For $1.8B Ponzi-Like Scheme
Owner, CEO Of Manhattan Investment Fund Among Trio Indicted For $1.8B Ponzi-Like Scheme A man who was the head of a Manhattan investment fund was arrested on Thursday and is facing securities fraud charges for his role in an alleged $1.8 billion Ponzi-like scheme that saw his company paying clients with their own money.  Long Island resident David Gentile, age 54, of Manhasset, the founder, owner, and CEO of GPB Capital Holdings, was charged with two others for scheming to defraud investors by misrepresenting the source of funds used to make monthly distribution payments to them, federal officials said. Specifically, the three were charged with securities and wire fraud, …
Westchester Man Arrested For Role In Decade-Long $1M Ponzi Scheme Westchester Man Arrested For Role In Decade-Long $1M Ponzi Scheme
Westchester Man Arrested For Role In Decade-Long $1M Ponzi Scheme A Westchester County man was arrested this week for his role in a near decade-long Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors in New York and other parts of the country out of more than $1 million. White Plains resident James Doyle, 72, and Carl Carro, 59, of Walton, Delaware, the purported managing directors of headhunting companies Endeavor Management Solutions and Endeavor Consultancy, have been charged in a 42-count indictment for their roles in the schema. Specifically, the two were charged with multiple counts of money laundering, grand larceny, securities fraud, and scheme to defraud. Ne…
NY Man Admits To Running $200M Ponzi Scheme In Region NY Man Admits To Running $200M Ponzi Scheme In Region
NY Man Admits To Running $200M Ponzi Scheme In Region A 53-year-old man has admitted to running a $200 million Ponzi scheme in New York based on false statements to investors about inflated returns for nonexistent wholesale jewelry deals, federal authorities announced on Wednesday, Dec. 30. Long Island resident Gregory Altieri, 53, pleaded guilty to wire fraud for running the scheme.  As part of the plea, Altieri, of Melville in Suffolk County, also admitted to committing securities fraud in connection with the scheme.  When sentenced, Altieri faces up to 20 years in prison.  “With today’s guilty plea, Altieri is hel…
Madoff Ponzi Scheme Victims To Get Nearly $500M More In Distributions Madoff Ponzi Scheme Victims To Get Nearly $500M More In Distributions
Madoff Ponzi Scheme Victims To Get Nearly $500M More In Distributions Thousands of Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi Scheme victims will be receiving their portions of the latest distribution of nearly $500 million. Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Audrey Strauss announced that the Madoff Victim Fund will be distributing approximately $488 million to more than 37,000 of his victims involved in the fraud scheme. To date, approximately $2.7 billion has been distributed to Madoff’s victims. Strauss said that this sixth payment will bring the victims’ total recovery to 80.05 percent of their losses. Ultimately, more than $4 billion will be returne…
Norwalk Man Sentenced For Running $5M Ponzi Scheme Norwalk Man Sentenced For Running $5M Ponzi Scheme
Norwalk Man Sentenced For Running $5M Ponzi Scheme A Fairfield County man has been sentenced to 42 months in prison in connection with his years-long Ponzi scheme to defraud customers of nearly $5 million. James T. Booth, 75, of Norwalk, was sentenced in Manhattan Federal Court on Tuesday, Nov. 17, Audrey Strauss, the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York said. Booth, who ran Booth Financial Associates, pleaded guilty in October 2019 to the crimes. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Booth ripped off clients of nearly $5 million through a variety of lies and misrepresentations.  “Today, James T. Booth was se…
Former Wall Street Trader Sentenced For Running $19M Ponzi Scheme Former Wall Street Trader Sentenced For Running $19M Ponzi Scheme
Former Wall Street Trader Sentenced For Running $19M Ponzi Scheme A former Wall Street trader has been sentenced to over five years in prison after admitting to defrauding investors in a $19 million Ponzi scheme. Long Island resident Paul A. Rinfret, 71, of Manhasset, had pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of securities fraud last fall. This week, Rinfret was sentenced to 63 months in prison. According to Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District Audrey Strauss, Rinfret alleged that he touted “extremely high returns in his trading,” when in reality he simply stole the investors’ money to fund a lavish lifestyle. I…
New Distribution Of More Than $378M Allotted To Madoff Ponzi Scheme Victims New Distribution Of More Than $378M Allotted To Madoff Ponzi Scheme Victims
New Distribution Of More Than $378M Allotted To Madoff Ponzi Scheme Victims Thousands of Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi Scheme victims will be receiving their portions of the fifth distribution of more than $378 million this week. U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman announced that the Madoff Victim Fund will be distributing $378.5 million to more than 26,000 of his victims involved in the fraud scheme. To date, approximately $2.7 billion has been distributed to Madoff’s victims. Berman said that the fifth payment will bring the victims’ total recovery to 73.65 percent of their losses.  Ultimately, more than $4 billion will be returned due to losses suffered in Madoff’s Ponz…
Rowayton Man Admits To Multimillion-Dollar Fraud Scheme Rowayton Man Admits To Multimillion-Dollar Fraud Scheme
Rowayton Man Admits To Multimillion-Dollar Fraud Scheme The former co-founder of a multi-million dollar hedge fund has admitted that he lied to his investors and misappropriated nearly $20 million as part of a Ponzi scheme. Jason Rhodes of Fairfield County pleaded guilty to securities fraud, wire fraud, investment adviser fraud, and conspiracy charges in connection with his participation in a scheme to defraud approximately 25 investors in Sentinel Growth Fund Management, a hedge fund he co-founded.  In total, he bilked investors out of approximately $19.6 million by lying to them and using investor funds for his own personal use and t…
Norwalk Financial Advisor Admits Running Multimillion-Dollar Ponzi Scheme Norwalk Financial Advisor Admits Running Multimillion-Dollar Ponzi Scheme
Norwalk Financial Advisor Admits Running Multimillion-Dollar Ponzi Scheme A financial adviser from Fairfield County admitted to running a yearlong multi-million dollar Ponzi scheme. Norwalk resident James Booth, 74, who operated Booth Financial Associates, pleaded guilty solicited money from clients, falsely promising to invest the money in opportunities offered outside of their ordinary advisory and brokerage accounts. Booth pleaded guilty to one count of securities fraud. When he is sentenced on Feb. 21 next year, he will face up to 20 years in prison. In total, Booth fraudulently obtained nearly $5 million from his customers. Instead of investing their money,…
Financial Adviser From Norwalk Charged In Multimillion-Dollar Ponzi Scheme Financial Adviser From Norwalk Charged In Multimillion-Dollar Ponzi Scheme
Financial Adviser From Norwalk Charged In Multimillion-Dollar Ponzi Scheme A financial adviser from Fairfield County is facing charges for allegedly running a yearlong multi-million dollar Ponzi scheme. Norwalk resident James Booth, 74, who operated Booth Financial Associates, allegedly solicited money from clients, falsely promising to invest the money in opportunities offered outside of their ordinary advisory and brokerage accounts.  In total, Booth fraudulently obtained nearly $5 million from his customers. Instead of investing their money, Booth used it to pay personal and business expenses, U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman said. Booth was arrested on Monda…
Madoff Ponzi Scheme Victims To Get New $469M Distribution, Bringing Payout To $2.4B Madoff Ponzi Scheme Victims To Get New $469M Distribution, Bringing Payout To $2.4B
Madoff Ponzi Scheme Victims To Get New $469M Distribution, Bringing Payout To $2.4B Thousands of Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi Scheme victims will see some more relief as the Department of Justice begins the latest distribution of more than $469 million. This week, the Madoff Victim Fund, which was established by the DOJ, began distributing $469.6 million in additional funds that were forfeited to the government in connection to Madoff's scheme. The money will be distributed to more than 27,000 victims, bringing the total to approximately $2.4 billion. The latest distribution marks the fourth in a series of payments from the Madoff Victim Fund as part of Madoff’s fraud, which tot…
CT Investment Adviser Found Guilty Of $1.5M Ponzi-Like Fraud Scene CT Investment Adviser Found Guilty Of $1.5M Ponzi-Like Fraud Scene
CT Investment Adviser Found Guilty Of $1.5M Ponzi-Like Fraud Scene A Connecticut jury has found a former investment adviser guilty on all counts of a 21-count indictment accusing him of running a Ponzi-like scheme to the tune of $1.5 million. Leon Vaccarelli, 42, has been found guilty in New Haven district court of numerous fraud and money laundering charges stemming from an elaborate investment scheme that saw him defraud more than a dozen victim investors. U.S. Attorney John Durham said that Vaccarelli, of Waterbury, was a registered representative of The Investment Center, and was an investment adviser with IC Advisory Services, Inc. He also was the own…
Area Real Estate Developer Sentenced For $58M Ponzi Scheme Area Real Estate Developer Sentenced For $58M Ponzi Scheme
Area Real Estate Developer Sentenced For $58M Ponzi Scheme A real estate developer will spend time behind bars for operating a years-long $58 million Ponzi scheme that included properties in the area. Michael D’Alessio, 53, was sentenced on Friday, April 5 to six years in prison for his elaborate scheme to defraud investors in luxury real estate developments in Manhattan, the Hamptons, Westchester and elsewhere.  In addition to the prison term, D'Alessio was sentenced to three years of supervised release and order to pay forfeiture in the amount of $58,090,047. D'Alessio is the former president and CEO of real estate development firm Michael …
New Payoff To Thousands Of Victims Of Madoff Ponzi Scheme Totals $695 Million New Payoff To Thousands Of Victims Of Madoff Ponzi Scheme Totals $695 Million
New Payoff To Thousands Of Victims Of Madoff Ponzi Scheme Totals $695 Million Thousands of Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi Scheme victims will soon see some relief, as the Department of Justice begins the latest distribution of nearly $700 million. This week, the Madoff Victim Fund, which was established by the DOJ, began distributing $695.4 million in funds that were forfeited to the government in connection to Madoff’s scheme. The money will be distributed to more than 27,000 of Madoff’s victims, many of whom call the area home. The latest distribution marks the third in a series of payments from the Madoff Victim Fund as part of Madoff’s fraud, which totaled more than $4 bi…
Area Developer Admits To Ponzi Scheme Area Developer Admits To Ponzi Scheme
Area Developer Admits To Ponzi Scheme A real estate developer has admitted to operating a years-long Ponzi scheme that included properties in Westchester. Michael D’Alessio, 53, has pleaded guilty to one count of committing wire fraud and one count of concealing assets from a bankruptcy court. He faces up to 20 years in prison and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines when he is sentenced on March 22 next year. The elaborate scheme involved defrauding investors of luxury real estate developments in Manhattan, the Hamptons, Westchester and other locales. D'Alessio is the former president and CEO of real estate deve…
Area Native, Ex-WFAN Host Craig Carton Found Guilty Of Ponzi Scheme Area Native, Ex-WFAN Host Craig Carton Found Guilty Of Ponzi Scheme
Area Native, Ex-wfan Host Craig Carton Found Guilty Of Ponzi Scheme After just a weeklong trial, former WFAN sports talk personality and Westchester native Craig Carton has been found guilty on all counts in his fraud trial. The 49-year-old Carton, who grew up in New Rochelle, was found guilty of wire fraud, securities fraud and conspiracy for his role in a Ponzi scheme, which was aimed with an eye toward clearing gambling debt. The scheme was tied to a fake ticket scam. The trial kicked off last week on Oct. 31. Carton now faces up to 45 years in prison following the conviction. He remains released on bail. “The government is dead wrong. The government ha…
Area Native, Ousted WFAN Radio Host Craig Carton's Trial Underway Area Native, Ousted WFAN Radio Host Craig Carton's Trial Underway
Area Native, Ousted Wfan Radio Host Craig Carton's Trial Underway Westchester native and former WFAN sports talk personality Craig Carton’s fraud trial has started this week. The 48-year-old Carton, who grew up in New Rochelle, has been charged with wire fraud, securities fraud and conspiracy for his role in an alleged Ponzi scheme, which was allegedly aimed with an eye toward clearing gambling debt. The scheme was tied to a fake ticket scam. In his opening statement, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Quigley said that Carton diverted the money to pay for gambling debt and personal expenses. Carton’s lawyers have reportedly said he is the victim of an alleg…
Investment Fund Co-Founder From Rowayton Charged In $20 Million Fraud Scheme Investment Fund Co-Founder From Rowayton Charged In $20 Million Fraud Scheme
Investment Fund Co-Founder From Rowayton Charged In $20 Million Fraud Scheme The former co-founder of a multi-million dollar hedge fund is facing charges claiming that he lied to his investors and misappropriated nearly $20 million as part of a Ponzi scheme. Jason Rhodes of Fairfield County was arrested on Tuesday morning on conspiracy, securities fraud, wire fraud, and investment adviser fraud charges.  The charges stem from his participation in an elaborate scheme to defraud investors in the hedge fund and using investor funds to repay earlier investors in a Ponzi-like manner. Beginning in November 2013, Rhodes, a resident of the village of Rowayton in Norwalk, a…
Ex-CEO, 33, Fined $9 Million, Sentenced To Prison For Digital Currency Ponzi Scheme Ex-CEO, 33, Fined $9 Million, Sentenced To Prison For Digital Currency Ponzi Scheme
Ex-ceo, 33, Fined $9 Million, Sentenced To Prison For Digital Currency Ponzi Scheme The former CEO of a virtual currency company is heading to prison and must pay more than $9 million in restitution for his role in his companies’ purported generation and sale of virtual currency that devolved into a Ponzi Scheme. Josh Garza, 33, formerly of Somers, Connecticut, was sentenced in Hartford District Court to a term of 21 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, the first six months of which he will have to spend in home confinement for his role in the multi-million dollar scheme. According to court documents and statements made in court, “virtual curren…
Area Real Estate Developer Charged In Investment Scheme Area Real Estate Developer Charged In Investment Scheme
Area Real Estate Developer Charged In Investment Scheme A real estate developer is facing up to two decades behind bars for operating an alleged years-long Ponzi scheme that included properties in the Hudson Valley. Michael D’Alessio, 52, has been charged with committing wire fraud in connection to his elaborate scheme to defraud investors in luxury real estate developments in Manhattan, the Hamptons, Westchester and elsewhere. D'Alessio is the former president and CEO of real estate development firm Michael Paul Enterprises in White Plains. A career real estate developer and contractor, D’Alessio was the CEO of an investment and development fi…
Fairfield County Man, 49, Sentenced For $6M Ponzi Scheme Fairfield County Man, 49, Sentenced For $6M Ponzi Scheme
Fairfield County Man, 49, Sentenced For $6M Ponzi Scheme A 49-year-old Wilton man was sentenced to more than three years in prison Tuesday for using hedge-fund money for his own personal use as part of a $6 million-plus Ponzi scheme. Steven Simmons was sentenced to 37 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Kimba M. Wood. Simmons, who solicited over $6 million in investments for a hedge fund, misappropriated nearly $2 million of these funds for his own use and that of a co-conspirator, said Geoffrey Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York. Other investor funds solicited by Simmons were used by the owner of the He…