An Elkhart man is accused of conning victims out of a whole bunch of 1000’s of {dollars}, then planning to kill them.
Investigators consider Charles Ray Smith took at the very least $320,000 from 4 victims, telling them to anticipate hundreds of thousands in return for investments like a most cancers therapies or business property. As an alternative, FBI officers accuse Smith of utilizing the cash to place a down fee on a home, and might have deliberate to kill the victims he ripped off.
Smith sat by means of his first court docket listening to, Monday. He’s charged with federal wire fraud. In line with a possible trigger affidavit, Smith has recruited traders in and round Elkhart since 2009, for a non existent funding group. Prosecutors say not one of the victims have seen a return from their investments.
As soon as investigators began speaking to victims, a confidential supply with the FBI mentioned Smith made preparations to have the victims and others killed.
If convicted, Charles Ray Smith might face 20 years in jail, as much as $250,000 in fines, and restitution to the victims.
Smith is again in court docket for a possible trigger listening to, Tuesday.
