BULLETIN: Michigan Woman Charged With Hindering Ponzi Probe; Husband Charged With Racketeering

M. Viktoria Wilson: Source: Michigan Attorney General’s Office.

BULLETIN: A Michigan woman who allegedly hindered an investigation into her on-the-lam husband’s Ponzi scheme has been charged with lying to a police officer during the investigation of a crime, a felony under state law.

M. Viktoria Wilson, 24, of Saginaw, was arrested yesterday by Saginaw Valley State University Police, the office of Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette said.

Wilson’s husband — Joel Wilson, 30, of Saginaw — fled the United States after his Ponzi scheme was exposed in January.

“Scam artists who defraud Michigan citizens, particularly senior citizens, think they can run but they cannot hide from the law,” said Schuette. “We are working to secure justice for the Michigan victims and families affected by this scam.”

When authorities interviewed M. Viktoria Wilson in January, she lied to them, Schuett’s office said.

From a statement by investigators (italics added):

Beginning in 2009, it is alleged that Mr. Wilson scammed investors through his operation of The Diversified Group Advisory Fund LLC, an investment company. Mr. Wilson allegedly told investors that he would use their funds to purchase distressed properties in the Saginaw area and Bay City areas. The properties would later be refurbished and sold for profit, which would go to investors.

When funds Mr. Wilson collected from the sales of the unregistered securities failed to turn a profit, he allegedly used new investor funds to pay returns to previous investors – the trademark of a Ponzi scheme. In addition, Mr. Wilson allegedly pocketed approximately $47,000 of the investment funds to pay his personal expenses and acquire personal assets.

The following nine charges were filed against Mr. Wilson in Bay City District Court on January 8, 2013:

• One count of Continuing Criminal Enterprise (Racketeering), a felony punishable by up to twenty years in prison;
• Three counts of Sale of Unregistered Securities, a felony punishable by up to ten years in prison;
• One count of Larceny by Conversion ($20,000 or more), a felony punishable by up to ten years in prison;
• One count of Larceny by Conversion ($1,000-$20,000), a felony punishable by up to five years in prison; and,
• Three counts of Fraudulent Sale of Securities, a felony punishable by up to ten years in prison.

Joel Wilson is expected to surrender, Schuett’s office said.