
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.
The start of spring kicks off a nasal nuisance for many people, but one drug meant to clear congestion has struggled to do its job. Here's what drugs work best to help you breathe better.
While John Tuneheim said more records have been uncovered since the 90s, in addition to thousands more recently found by the FBI, he said don't expect anything Earth-shattering once the new information is released.
The crash happened at approximately 6:18 p.m. Friday on Rush Lake Trail south of Belle Isle Drive in Nessel Township, according to the Chisago County Sheriff's Office.
The Anoka County Sheriff's Office says four boys between the ages of 15 and 17 were arrested for the March 2 incident.
Minnesota's Department of Public Safety is looking to capitalize off of a year-long pilot program where dozens of agencies tested software that detects drug use in impaired drivers.
The Anoka County Sheriff's Office says four boys between the ages of 15 and 17 were arrested for the March 2 incident.
Minnesota's Department of Public Safety is looking to capitalize off of a year-long pilot program where dozens of agencies tested software that detects drug use in impaired drivers.
Minnesota Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith were back in the Twin Cities metro on Tuesday to express their solidarity with veterans who lost their jobs at the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.
Relatives of the 3-year-old who was trapped under a car Monday evening say the helmet he was wearing saved his life.
Prosecutors made a final plea Tuesday in their mission to convict alleged Feeding Our Future ringleader Aimee Bock and codefendant Salim Said.
Minnesota's Department of Public Safety is looking to capitalize off of a year-long pilot program where dozens of agencies tested software that detects drug use in impaired drivers.
Police in the Twin Cities say a Grand Rapids man, who is a state senator, has been arrested for allegedly trying to solicit sex from a minor.
A southern Minnesota man is in custody after allegedly fatally stabbing a gas station employee.
Adam Fravel, the Minnesota man convicted of murdering Madeline Kingsbury and sentenced to life in prison, has filed an appeal with the state Supreme Court.
Minnesota has long been a haven for refugees, with nearly 118,000 individuals resettling in the state since 1979, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.
Wisconsin voters are casting the first ballots in a pivotal state Supreme Court race that will determine whether liberal or conservative justices control the highest court in the crucial presidential battleground.
The fields for the NCAA basketball tournaments are set, and while the Minnesota men won't be dancing, some other local teams have punched their ticket.
State troopers say they arrested a 47-year-old woman from Minneapolis on Saturday after the driver showed "signs of impairment" and detected the odor of marijuana during a traffic stop.
University of Wisconsin-River Falls debuts it a cheesemaking course at its on-campus dairy plant.
Four Wisconsin voters whose ballots were not counted in the November presidential election have initiated a class action lawsuit seeking $175,000 in damages each.
Jeff Birkel got hooked on running in his 30s, but after getting diagnosed with ALS, things changed. Soon, his sons had an idea to get their dad qualified as a handicapped athlete in the Boston Marathon.
Five years ago this week, our world shut down as COVID-19 swept the country. It was a time of loss and change that hit all of us — and all of us have memories of how the virus upended our lives.
Decades of militant rule and ongoing conflict in Burma have sent nearly 20,000 Karen people to resettle in the Twin Cities since the early 2000s. It's conflict the four students were able to experience up close once again with a month-long trip to Southeast Asia.
Giacomo Naylor gave everything to his loved ones — his mom, younger siblings Lukas and Isadora — up until Jan. 25 at 2:28 a.m. while on "G's Last Stand" — a coast-to-coast road trip they took because he did not want to die in a hospital.
Drafted during World War II, Don Tietz found himself a long way from his hometown farm.
While John Tuneheim said more records have been uncovered since the 90s, in addition to thousands more recently found by the FBI, he said don't expect anything Earth-shattering once the new information is released.
Police say Sen. Justin Eichorn tried to solicit a 17-year-old girl for sex. As our Ubah Ali reports, his arrest is adding to an unprecedented session at the Minnesota Capitol.
Tens of thousands of pages of previously redacted records about the JFK assassination are now public. Jason Rantala spoke with a Minneapolis judge who has seen, and released, information related to President Kennedy's death.
Minnesota Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith were back in the Twin Cities metro on Tuesday to express their solidarity with veterans who lost their jobs at the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.
One professor said this JFK assassination release is "certainly the most useful" of any so far "because of the redactions being removed."
For nearly 10 years, Iron Door Pub has stood at Lyndale Avenue and Lake Street. But now, it's shutting it's doors for good.
A group of south Minneapolis renters are demanding action from their building's management company, alleging major maintenance issues are being ignored and tenants are being threatened with eviction.
Food insecurity is at an all-time high in Minnesota. As that need continues to grow, lawmakers are pushing for more support.
It's a label that can instill confidence and patriotism. Some shoppers even seek out products that say "Made in America."
Minnesota is a target in President Trump's trade war. On Monday, Ontario, Canada slapped a 25% surcharge on all electricity exports to our state and two others.
The Anoka County Sheriff's Office says four boys between the ages of 15 and 17 were arrested for the March 2 incident.
Prosecutors made a final plea Tuesday in their mission to convict alleged Feeding Our Future ringleader Aimee Bock and codefendant Salim Said.
Police in the Twin Cities say a Grand Rapids man, who is a state senator, has been arrested for allegedly trying to solicit sex from a minor.
Police say an armed man was taken into custody late Tuesday morning after he fired an AR-15 inside a home while experiencing a mental health crisis.
A southern Minnesota man is in custody after allegedly fatally stabbing a gas station employee.
The start of spring kicks off a nasal nuisance for many people, but one drug meant to clear congestion has struggled to do its job. Here's what drugs work best to help you breathe better.
About one in five newborns in the U.S. start out on infant formula, making it a crucial source of nutrition.
As the federal government ramps up deportation efforts, an area organization says those efforts are striking fear into the wrong hearts.
Five years ago this week, our world shut down as COVID-19 swept the country. It was a time of loss and change that hit all of us — and all of us have memories of how the virus upended our lives.
After dozens of overdoses in just four days, Minnesota's biggest county is racing to reverse the troubling trend.
Iconic classic rock band Steve Miller Band is taking a jet airliner to the Twin Cities this summer.
A federal judge has dismissed the charges against a Minnesota man accused of hiding a stolen pair of ruby slippers that Judy Garland wore in "The Wizard of Oz." Prosecutors informed the court Monday that he died Sunday.
Lovers of old-school records in the Twin Cities, listen up: you can get a record made in your own backyard.
Bidding is underway for dozens of Bob Dylan memorabilia items, including his earliest-known demo recording described as "a revelation."
Country music star Keith Urban will make a stop at St. Paul's Xcel Energy Center in September.
What's it like to work behind the scenes during one of the busiest weeks of the football calendar?
Obi Toppin's fourth 3-pointer of overtime came with 3.5 seconds left to lift the short-handed Indiana Pacers over Minnesota 132-130 and end the Timberwolves' eight-game winning streak.
Hear from Tartan men's basketball coach Mark Klingsporn, who just won his 700th career game. Plus, see which boys hockey teams from Class AA have stamped their ticket to the state tournament.
Mats Zuccarello scored the tiebreaking power-play goal with 4:38 left and the Minnesota Wild beat the Los Angeles Kings 3-1.
The Minnesota Vikings released center Garrett Bradbury in a move prompted by the addition of four-time Pro Bowl pick Ryan Kelly in free agency last week.
A Minnesota man who was fired from his federal job as part of President Trump's federal layoffs should get his job back because of a new federal court order, but he says it is unclear if or when the Trump administration will follow the court's directive.
A Minnesota man who was fired from his federal job as part of President Trump's federal layoffs should get his job back because of a new federal court order.
Esme Murphy takes a look at why the government could shut down and what it could mean for Minnesotans.
A looming government shutdown amid cuts and layoffs at the federal level. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy spoke with University of Minnesota Professor Larry Jacobs about how a government shutdown will impact you, and if a Minnesota government shutdown is on the horizon. CLICK HERE for more.
Republicans have put forward a budget proposal that would keep the federal government from shutting down this Sunday, but Democrats are opposed because of sharp budget cuts. Esme Murphy looks at how a shutdown would affect Minnesotans.
Lovers of old-school records in the Twin Cities, listen up: you can get a record made in your own backyard.
A partnership between the American Legion and a horseshoe club is putting Becker, Minnesota, on the map.
If you've been to the University of Minnesota, you can't miss the Weisman Art Museum. It stands out in more ways than one.
How about spending Valentine's Day, in a dome? You can do it in Pine City. The Sweetbriar Ridge offers couples a unique glamping getaway.
If you've been to southeastern Minnesota, you've likely come across Sugar Loaf Bluff.
The start of spring kicks off a nasal nuisance for many people, but one drug meant to clear congestion has struggled to do its job. Here's what drugs work best to help you breathe better.
Anglers are counting down the days to May 10 after the Department of Natural Resources announced you can keep two walleyes daily on Lake Mille Lacs this year.
As the days get longer and warmer, it's also a reminder for parents to get ready: Their kids are about to be home for a week straight.
It's a label that can instill confidence and patriotism. Some shoppers even seek out products that say "Made in America."
Sleep is the rest and recovery bodies and brains need to be at our best once our eyes open again. Achieving that is easier said than done.
A spring snowstorm dropped several inches of plowable snow overnight in the Twin Cities and other parts of Minnesota.
Six Minnesota Vikings made the initial roster for the 2025 Pro Bowl Games, the most in 15 years.
Regions Hospital and Children's Minnesota share photos of their tiniest patients dressed to the nines for Halloween.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Thursday night due to the arrival of a severe geomagnetic storm.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Monday night.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer shares the latest changes to a spring snowstorm expected to impact southern Minnesota.
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.
A snow storm is expected to move into Minnesota overnight and could bring blizzard-like conditions to parts of the state.
A storm system is still expected to move through Minnesota Wednesday morning, but it is trending south.
WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak breaks down why parts of Minnesota are likely to see multiple inches of snow just as winter is about to change over into spring this week.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer shares the latest changes to a spring snowstorm expected to impact southern Minnesota.
The start of spring kicks off a nasal nuisance for many people. Seasonal allergies will return, but it turns out, a drug meant to clear congestion struggled to do its job. What's the best remedy for a stuffy nose? Good Question. Jeff Wagner explains which drugs work best to help you breathe better.
Two astronauts, stuck in space, are finally home. They splashed down off the Florida coast Tuesday afternoon before getting on a boat to head back to dry land. The pair had a 17-hour flight back to Earth after being on the International Space Station for more than nine months.
Police say Sen. Justin Eichorn tried to solicit a 17-year-old girl for sex. As our Ubah Ali reports, his arrest is adding to an unprecedented session at the Minnesota Capitol.
Tens of thousands of pages of previously redacted records about the JFK assassination are now public. Jason Rantala spoke with a Minneapolis judge who has seen, and released, information related to President Kennedy's death.