Shakopee man sentenced for role in $3.1 million ponzi scheme
Shakopee man is sentenced for role in $3.1 million ponzi scheme
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Shakopee man is sentenced for role in $3.1 million ponzi scheme
After his arrest, Ray Brewer claimed he saved several soldiers from a fire while serving in the Navy, but later admitted, "these were both lies meant to curry favor with law enforcement."
A federal jury has awarded a record $564 million in damages to victims of a massive Ponzi scheme by Minnesota businessman Tom Petters.
Last week a judge granted a motion to freeze the couple's assets. Jason and Angela Bullard have one more day to give the court the estimated value of all property, along with how much investors say they are owed.
"They're alleging a very classic Ponzi scheme, much modeled after [Bernie] Madoff," attorney Doug Kelley said.
The Department of Justice announced Wednesday that the money will be distributed to approximately 364 people worldwide. This money is in addition to the $16 million that was initially distributed to victims.
Sixty-eight-year-old James Nickels earlier pleaded guilty to wire fraud. Prosecutors say Nickels convinced family, friend and neighbors to invest in his sham business.
About $16.4 million stolen by Tom Petters has now been returned to 364 investors.
Federal authorities say a Minnesota man accused of bilking investors of more than $1 million has pleaded guilty.
A Twin Cities chiropractor who has already spent time in prison for a Ponzi scheme is going back for the same crime.
A St. Paul man is charged with stealing more than $350,000 from a Minnesota brewery, and stealing almost as much from others in an alleged Ponzi scheme.
A 40-year-old man pleaded guilty Tuesday to stealing from investors in his wealth management company and using the money to buy a luxury SUV and run a Ponzi-style scheme.
Jury selection begins Monday for the trial of former Minnesota Vikings Stu Voigt. Voigt and his business partner Jeffrey Gardner head to federal court this week for allegedly bilking investors out of millions of dollars. The two face several criminal charges in connection to a real estate scheme between 2005 and 2007.
More than seven years after the financial collapse of one Minnesota's most powerful businessmen, victims are still waiting for money.
Former Minnesota Vikings tight end Stu Voigt has pleaded not guilty in an alleged Ponzi scheme. Voigt entered his plea Thursday after being indicted earlier in April on charges of conspiracy and fraud.
Two Minnesota men, including a former Minnesota Vikings tight end, are charged with running a Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors out of millions of dollars. The U.S. Attorney's office says 66-year-old Stu Voigt and 61-year-old Jeffery Gardner face several criminal charges in connection to a real estate scheme between 2005 and 2007.
A Eden Prairie man plead guilty Wednesday to using his financial planning firm to operate a Ponzi scheme to fraudulently obtain millions of dollars from former clients, according to U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger. Sean Meadows, 41, plead guilty to three counts of mail fraud, seven counts of wire fraud and money laundering offenses.
Federal prosecutors say a Minnesota man has pleaded guilty to defrauding investors of more than $19 million. Fifty-five-year-old Tyrone Herman of St. Anthony entered his plea Friday in U.S. District Court. According to court documents, Herman claimed he could purchase small appliances from manufacturers and wholesalers at below-retail market rates.
The final three defendants have been sentenced in the $3.65 billion Ponzi scheme led by Minnesota businessman Tom Petters. U.S. District Judge Richard Kyle handed down a 7 ½-year sentence Friday to hedge fund manager Bruce Prevost for his role in misleading investors in Palm Beach Capital Management, a Florida hedge fund that put money into Petters' scheme before it collapsed in 2008.
The man found guilty of orchestrating Minnesota's largest Ponzi scheme finally admitted on Wednesday that he did it. Tom Petters was in U.S. District Court in St. Paul on Wednesday trying to get 20 years shaved off his prison sentence.
Convicted Minnesota businessman Tom Petters returns to federal court this week to try to shorten his 50-year prison term. The attempt to get 20 years removed might be Petters' last chance to go after a lighter sentence.
Frank Elroy Vennes Jr. was sentenced to 180 months in prison on Friday, in connection with fraudulently raising money through hedge funds for investment in Petters Company. Vennes was a long-time associate of Thomas J. Petters, the Minnesota businessman convicted in 2009 of orchestrating a $3.65 billion Ponzi scheme.
Despite owing his victims more than $1 million, a Twin Cities chiropractor twice convicted of fraud again has his license to practice. Fifteen years ago, Randy Miland served two years in prison for a Ponzi scheme. He later served another three years for a real estate investment scam. A judge ordered Miland to pay more than one-and-a-half million dollars in restitution. That hasn't happened.
The fourth man convicted in a $194 million Ponzi scheme - the second largest in Minnesota history - was sentenced Monday to 240 months in federal prison. According to the U.S. Attorney General's office, 75-year-old Patrick Kiley of Burnsville was convicted last June of 12 counts of wire and mail fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and two counts of money laundering. Kiley - along with ring leader Trevor Cook, Jason Bo-Alan Beckman, Gerald Joseph Durand and Christopher Pettengill – were all solely and jointly ordered to pay $155,359,411 in restitution to their victims.
A former associate of convicted Minnesota businessman Tom Petters has pleaded guilty to lying to investors in a $3.65 billion Ponzi scheme.
Bobby Durkin, Cade Tyson and Langston Reynolds combined to score 65 points to lead Minnesota past UCLA 78-73 on Saturday.
Kelvin Yeboah's rebound goal and Drake Callender's four saves gave Minnesota United FC a 1-0 win over Cincinnati FC on Saturday.
The rotunda at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, has hosted nearly every type of event over the years—but celebrated a first of its kind Saturday.
Minnesota's leaders are reacting to the news about the United States and Israel attacking Iran. A Minnesotan, who grew up in Iran, spoke with WCCO.
The U.S. and Israel announced a major military operation against Iran early Saturday. President Trump threatened the Iranian government for weeks over their nuclear program and Iran's violent crackdown on protesters in January.
The rotunda at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, has hosted nearly every type of event over the years—but celebrated a first of its kind Saturday.
Minnesota's leaders are reacting to the news about the United States and Israel attacking Iran. A Minnesotan, who grew up in Iran, spoke with WCCO.
The U.S. and Israel announced a major military operation against Iran early Saturday. President Trump threatened the Iranian government for weeks over their nuclear program and Iran's violent crackdown on protesters in January.
The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder has been sharing stories and lifting the voices of the Black community that often go unheard.
Wintery weather returns this weekend.
The U.S. and Israel announced a major military operation against Iran early Saturday. President Trump threatened the Iranian government for weeks over their nuclear program and Iran's violent crackdown on protesters in January.
Wintery weather returns this weekend.
A 69-year-old man has been arrested after a Lakeville, Minnesota, woman's death was ruled a homicide, the Wabasha County Sheriff's Office said Friday.
Two women and a stroller carrying an infant were hit by a truck while in a crosswalk in Rochester, Minnesota, on Thursday afternoon, according to police.
Minnesota's state budget has improved in the few months since the last estimate from top officials, but there are still some warning signs in the future.
A judge has sentenced a Wisconsin man who forged threats against President Donald Trump as part of a deportation scheme to 16½ years in prison.
A fire at a hotel in Superior, Wisconsin, Monday night left one person hurt and forced guests to move to new lodgings.
Excitement is in the air in northern Wisconsin with the 52nd annual American Birkebeiner underway.
The longest-serving Assembly speaker in Wisconsin history, who acted as a block on the battleground state's Democratic governor and also drew the ire of President Donald Trump, isn't running again.
Wisconsin Republicans who long blocked a bipartisan measure to expand postpartum Medicaid coverage plan to pass the measure following pressure from Democrats.
People from across the nation are traveling to the Twin Cities, but not as tourists. Many want to learn in person from Minnesota protestors to bring that knowledge back to their own cities.
The Edina wife and mother of three said she felt called to go and protest in south Minneapolis after learning that Alex Pretti had been shot and killed by two Border Patrol agents.
Tuesday afternoon, more than 20 people gathered on the Highway 62 bridge between Minneapolis and Richfield after a small protest sparked a confrontation there last week.
Karmel Mall has been mostly silent, with shops closed at the building on East Lake Street. Operation Metro Surge has caused many Somalis to stay home.
The ongoing presence of ICE and federal law enforcement in the Minneapolis area has kept many immigrants at home for fear of being arrested. Now, their neighbors are crowdsourcing to cover their rent.
Trump ally Sen. Lindsey Graham said the operation would be "violent, extensive and I believe, at the end of the day, successful."
President Trump says his objective in attacking Iran "is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats" from the regime in Tehran. Read his full statement and watch the video here.
President Trump said that "heavy and pinpoint bombing" of Iran would "continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary."
The Minnesota state budget surplus is up to $3.7 billion. That's $1 billion more than they expected a few months ago. But that's only one piece of the state's financial future that officials laid out on Friday, and there are still some warning signs ahead. Caroline Cummings reports on the forecast and the big implications at the State Capitol.
A federal judge has extended his order protecting refugees in Minnesota who are lawfully in the U.S. from being arrested and deported.
On Friday, hundreds of leaders from Minnesota food banks and food shelves came together in Brooklyn Center. Their goal is to find the best ways to help hungry families in the aftermath of Operation Metro Surge, and while food prices remain high.
Target will stop selling its entire assortment of cereal with certified synthetic colors by the end of May.
Consumers are urged to stop using the pressure cookers and dispose of them immediately.
The U.S. Supreme Court struck down a key part of President Trump's economic plan late last week: tariffs. But the president fought back, slapping a 15% global tariff on imported goods.
On Friday morning, workers held a press conference to reflect on how the Immigration and Customs Enforcement surge has impacted the food industry.
A teenager who has admitted to shooting and killing another teen in Minneapolis, for now, is not expected to spend any time in an adult prison. The family of the victim is distraught.
A judge has sentenced a Wisconsin man who forged threats against President Donald Trump as part of a deportation scheme to 16½ years in prison.
A 69-year-old man has been arrested after a Lakeville, Minnesota, woman's death was ruled a homicide, the Wabasha County Sheriff's Office said Friday.
A confrontation between several armed men and a man with a Louis Vuitton bag inside a Minneapolis apartment building resulted in a fatal shooting on Tuesday night, according to a criminal complaint.
The victims' sister says Eddie Duncan's family saw the warning signs and still bailed him out
Target will stop selling its entire assortment of cereal with certified synthetic colors by the end of May.
The Minnesota Department of Health said there have been 10 reported cases in the state so far this year. There were five cases as of the last update, which came on Feb. 19.
Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz laid out his anti-fraud legislative package on Thursday, one day after the White House paused $259 million in federal Medicaid payments to the state until a comprehensive action plan is laid out to fight fraud.
Vice President JD Vance says the Trump administration will "temporarily halt" some Medicaid funding to the state of Minnesota over fraud concerns.
Hennepin County leaders, along with top brass from Minneapolis' Hennepin County Medical Center, opened the books in front of a panel of Minnesota senators Wednesday.
As a musician and performer, Prince showed a generation that being different wasn't a liability. Now, an author and illustrator are telling the story of Prince's life in a new children's book.
A 19th-century George Méliès film, thought to be long lost, has been found among a box of brittle movie reels that a Michigan donor brought to the Library of Congress, officials said.
Bobby J. Brown's breakout role was as a police officer on HBO's "The Wire." He appeared in 12 episodes across four seasons.
Streaming giant Netflix declined to match Paramount Skydance's $31 per share offer for Warner Bros. Discovery.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has announced its 2026 list of nominees, including Phil Collins, Mariah Carey, Wu-Tang Clan and more.
Bobby Durkin, Cade Tyson and Langston Reynolds combined to score 65 points to lead Minnesota past UCLA 78-73 on Saturday.
Kelvin Yeboah's rebound goal and Drake Callender's four saves gave Minnesota United FC a 1-0 win over Cincinnati FC on Saturday.
The Wild were taken down by the Utah Mammoth 5-2 on Friday night to end Minnesota's winning streak at six games.
Sisters Mya and Ashlee Wilson lead the Hill-Murray girls basketball team in scoring, assists and rebounds. Head coach Betty Trull says they bring more than just strong statistics to the program.
Anthony Edwards scored 31 points, Donte DiVincenzo added 18 and the surging Minnesota Timberwolves beat Los Angeles Clippers 94-88 on Thursday night.
In the aftermath of Operation Metro Surge, a bill to make it easier for someone to sue the federal government is advancing at the Minnesota Capitol.
Two major priorities are on a collision course in the Minnesota Legislature.
The GOP is promoting an aggressive anti-fraud agenda while the DFL is hammering hard on the immigration crackdown and the continuing fallout.
The political fallout of Operation Metro Surge is expected to be long lasting not just in Minnesota, but across the country.
The political fallout of Operation Metro Surge is expected to be long lasting not just in Minnesota, but across the country. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy spoke with Abou Amara, a Democratic analyst, and Amy Frederiksen, a Republican analyst, about the political impact.
In St. Louis Park, Minnesota, there's a place where you can find radio and television technology that's nearly a century old — and it still works.
One of the best views in Minnesota is at the top of a Bloomington hill. But 15-year-old Jacob Larson isn't here for the scenery. He's here for the jump.
Pine trees are a common sight up north. But on a Carlton, Minnesota, road, they're joined by giant lollipops. They serve as the welcoming committee for Sweetly Kismet, one of the largest candy stores in the state.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
Northland Arboretum was built half a century ago on top of what was once a city dump. But over time, nature carved its own path with a little help from a Zamboni.
Traveling is already stressful, especially flying, but the deadly conflict south of the border might have some travelers second-guessing their upcoming trips.
Drivers beware. Cities are seeing an uptick in stolen cars this winter.
On the first day of the Minnesota Legislature, artificial intelligence is giving visitors and lawmakers at the State Capitol a new sense of security.
From the flu to the common cold, viruses keep knocking out Minnesotans this winter. A physician with Hennepin Healthcare breaks down how long an individual may be contagious after they start to feel better.
White House border czar Tom Homan, without offering further explanation, claimed the federal immigration operation in Minnesota uncovered thousands of missing children in the state, but it's likely related to a much larger number the administration has been touting for a few years.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Tuesday night.
A look at the newest addition to the polar bear population at St. Paul, Minnesota's Como Zoo.
From food shelves to school programs, our team is proud to serve where it matters most.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
A suspect was taken into custody after an attack on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder on June 1 in which there were 15 people and a dog who were victims. The suspect threw Molotov cocktails that burned some of the victims, who were part of a march for Israeli hostages.
Overnight temps will remain cool with highs in the single digits to low teens. Sunday will feel similar to Saturday with highs in the 20s, but more sunshine is expected. We start the week warmer, climbing back into the 30s. Meteorologist Lisa Meadows shares just how long we'll stay in the 30s and when we could see another storm.
In Minnesota, weather can be all over the place. Here at WCCO, we want to give you what you need to prepare for what's happening next.
Wintery weather returns this weekend.
Saturday will be much cooler with temps in the single digits for northern Minnesota and in the teens for central and southern Minnesota. Meteorologist Adam Del Rosso shares just how much snow we got and when we could see those spring-like temperatures again.
A system of snow will start moving into parts of western Minnesota early Saturday before it hits the Twin Cities, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
Overnight temps will remain cool with highs in the single digits to low teens. Sunday will feel similar to Saturday with highs in the 20s, but more sunshine is expected. We start the week warmer, climbing back into the 30s. Meteorologist Lisa Meadows shares just how long we'll stay in the 30s and when we could see another storm.
Pickleball matches took over the Mall of America rotunda on Saturday, all to benefit a local organization fighting food insecurity in Minnesota.
One Minnesotan who grew up in Iran shares his thoughts on the joint strike by the United States and Israel.
Since 1934, the Minnesota Spokesman-Reporter has been sharing the stories and lifting the voices of the Black community that often go unheard.
Here are four things you can check out this Saturday.