Case Watch
New Jersey Real Estate Influencer Indicted for Multi-Million-Dollar Fraud, Money Laundering & Bribery
Wire Fraud
Money Laundering
Bribery
Ponzi-like scheme
Money Laundering
Bribery
Ponzi-like scheme
The Short Version
- Who: A New Jersey real estate investor/influencer known online as “Flipping NJ.”
- What: Indicted by a federal grand jury for an alleged Ponzi-like investment scheme, laundering drug proceeds, and bribing a local official tied to a Paterson development.
- How (alleged): Since at least 2017, pitched deals with 30%+ returns in 4–5 months; commingled funds; used new investor money to pay earlier investors; diverted funds to unauthorized uses.
- Also noted: The defendant’s spouse was separately indicted for alleged destruction of evidence.
- Note: These are charges. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Charges & Maximum Penalties
| Charge | Count(s) | Maximum Prison | Statutory Max Fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wire Fraud | 2 | 20 years each | $250,000 or 2× gain/loss |
| Money Laundering Conspiracy | 1 | 20 years | $500,000 or 2× amount laundered |
| Money Laundering | 2 | 20 years each | $500,000 or 2× amount laundered |
| Bribery (federally funded program) | 1 | 10 years | $250,000 or 2× gain/loss |
Penalties reflect statutory maximums, not expected outcomes.
Alleged Tactics, Plainly
- Leveraged social media and seminars to source investors.
- Promised flashy, quick returns instead of audited plans.
- Commingled funds; used new money to pay old obligations.
- Bribed a local official to advance a development, per prosecutors.
- Laundered money tied to drug trafficking (including a sting), per filings.
Rule of thumb: If returns are huge and docs are vague, walk away.
Timeline
- 2017 → Prosecutors say the investment pitch begins: quick flips, 30%+ returns.
- Oct 2023: Initial federal wire-fraud complaint filed.
- Jul 10, 2025: Grand jury returns multi-count indictment.
- Jul 2025: Separate indictment of spouse for alleged destruction of records.
Investor Takeaways
- Validate use of funds. Require escrow controls and third-party reporting (bank statements, CPA attestation).
- Verify collateral & permits. Title, liens, real addresses, permits, and zoning status—no screenshots.
- Returns vs. reality. 30% in 4–5 months is marketing, not underwriting.
- Paper trail or pass. If documents are “coming later,” your money should be too.
Official Sources
• U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of New Jersey — press release (July 10, 2025).
• IRS-CI — related press release on spouse’s destruction-of-evidence indictment (July 2025).
Media summaries add color, but the court record controls. Allegations are unproven unless adjudicated.
Don’t chase hype. Learn the fundamentals.
Legal note: An indictment contains allegations only. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.