俄亥俄州一对夫妇被指控犯有188项重罪,据称他们经营着1 150万美元的庞氏计划,针对老年教会成员。 A Ohio couple was indicted on 188 felony counts for allegedly running an $11.5 million Ponzi scheme targeting elderly church members.

一个巴特勒镇夫妇Wayne T. Essex(70岁)和Susan Essex(67岁)于2025年10月16日被起诉,罪名是188项重罪,与据称1 150万美元的庞氏骗局有关。 A Butler Township couple, Wayne T. Essex, 70, and Susan Essex, 67, were indicted on October 16, 2025, on 188 felony counts tied to an alleged $11.5 million Ponzi scheme. 检察官说,他们欺骗了超过25名受害者,其中多数是年老的教会成员,许诺通过他们的企业Essex和Associates公司,每年对机会区房地产投资10%的收益。 Prosecutors say they defrauded over 25 victims, mostly elderly church members, by promising 10% annual returns on investments in opportunity zone properties through their business, Essex and Associates. 相反,资金被用于个人开支,包括一辆200 000美元的奔驰和餐饮,其中近800万美元下落不明。 Instead, funds were used for personal expenses, including a $200,000 Mercedes and dining, with nearly $8 million unaccounted for. 两人都是同一天被捕的,在等待传讯期间被监禁。 Both were arrested the same day and are jailed pending arraignment. Wayne Essex先前在2012年的一个案件中被禁止出售终身证券,他面临包括证券欺诈和洗钱在内的指控;Susan Essex被控盗窃和洗钱。 Wayne Essex, previously barred from selling securities for life in a 2012 case, faces charges including securities fraud and money laundering; Susan Essex is charged with theft and money laundering. 调查由俄亥俄州商业部和蒙哥马利县检察官办公室牵头。 The Ohio Department of Commerce and Montgomery County Prosecutor’s office led the investigation.