An Elkhart man is accused of conning victims out of a whole lot of 1000’s of {dollars}, then planning to kill them.
Investigators imagine Charles Ray Smith took at the very least $320,000 from 4 victims, telling them to anticipate tens of millions in return for investments like a most cancers remedies or business property. As a substitute, 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 via his first courtroom listening to, Monday. He’s charged with federal wire fraud. In accordance 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 courtroom for a possible trigger listening to, Tuesday.
