Charlotte, January 8, 2026
Wynn A.D. Charlebois of Charlotte, aged 55, has been sentenced to six years in federal prison for running a Ponzi scheme that defrauded over 40 victims of nearly $6 million. The scheme, which spanned from 2015 to 2022, misled investors with false promises of secure investments, while Charlebois used their money to pay earlier investors and fund personal expenses. Charlebois has been ordered to pay over $5.7 million in restitution after pleading guilty to wire fraud.
Charlotte
Charlotte Man Sentenced to Six Years for Multi-Million Dollar Ponzi Scheme
A Charlotte man, Wynn A.D. Charlebois, 55, has been sentenced to six years in federal prison for orchestrating a yearslong Ponzi scheme that defrauded more than 40 victims across the country of approximately $6 million. The sentencing, handed down by U.S. District Judge David Norton, also includes two years of supervised release and an order for Charlebois to pay more than $5.7 million in restitution. Charlebois leveraged his prior employment at a reputable hedge fund to gain the trust of his victims, falsely promising secure, risk-free investments.
Details of the Fraudulent Operation
Court records reveal that Charlebois operated the extensive fraudulent investment scheme between 2015 and 2022. He conducted his illicit activities through companies he owned and controlled, including WC Private, Wilcox Hybrid, and Damon Investments. Rather than investing the funds as he promised, Charlebois utilized the money to make Ponzi-style payments to earlier investors, creating the illusion of legitimate returns. A significant portion of the defrauded funds was also diverted for his personal expenditures.
Impact on Victims and Continued Deception
The victims of Charlebois’s scheme were numerous and diverse, including friends, family members, fellow church members, veterans, and retirees located across the country. Many of these individuals were in or nearing retirement, suffering substantial financial and emotional harm due to the fraud. The severity of the fraud’s impact was highlighted by Judge Norton during the sentencing, emphasizing the “devastating effect” it had on those affected. Court documents further indicate that Charlebois persisted in soliciting additional funds from investors even after the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission initiated an enforcement action against him.
Legal Proceedings and Enforcement
Charlebois pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud on July 31, 2023. The investigation into this complex case was a collaborative effort led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Ryan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina prosecuted the case. Charlebois will report to a federal facility as designated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Understanding Ponzi Schemes
A Ponzi scheme is a fraudulent investment operation that pays returns to earlier investors with money taken from more recent investors. This creates the false impression of a profitable venture, attracting new investors with promises of high returns with little to no risk. However, there is no real underlying business activity or legitimate earnings.
The scheme relies heavily on a continuous flow of new money from new investors to pay off the prior ones. Organizers of these schemes often solicit investors by promising high yields on investments that are claimed to generate substantial returns. In reality, the funds are simply redistributed, making it appear as though the investment is growing.
These schemes are inherently unsustainable. They eventually collapse when the influx of new investors slows down, or when a large number of existing investors attempt to withdraw their funds. Without new capital, the scheme can no longer sustain its fraudulent payments, leading to its inevitable downfall and significant losses for most participants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Ponzi scheme?
A Ponzi scheme is a fraudulent investment operation that pays returns to earlier investors with money taken from more recent investors, creating the false impression of a profitable venture, attracting new investors with promises of high returns with little to no risk.
Who is Wynn A.D. Charlebois?
Wynn A.D. Charlebois is a 55-year-old Charlotte man who orchestrated a yearslong Ponzi scheme.
What was Charlebois sentenced for?
Wynn A.D. Charlebois was sentenced to six years in federal prison for orchestrating a Ponzi scheme and pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.
How many victims were there, and how much money was lost?
More than 40 victims across the country were defrauded of approximately $6 million in the scheme.
How long did Charlebois’s Ponzi scheme last?
Charlebois operated the fraudulent investment scheme from 2015 to 2022.
What companies did Charlebois use?
Charlebois conducted his illicit activities through companies he owned and controlled, including WC Private, Wilcox Hybrid, and Damon Investments.
What was the scope of victims?
The victims of Charlebois’s scheme included friends, family members, fellow church members, veterans, and retirees located across the country.
Key Features of the Ponzi Scheme Case
| Perpetrator | Wynn A.D. Charlebois, 55 |
| Crime | Orchestrating a Ponzi scheme (Wire Fraud) |
| Sentence | Six years in federal prison |
| Restitution Ordered | More than $5.7 million |
| Scheme Duration | 2015 to 2022 |
| Number of Victims | More than 40 |
| Amount Defrauded | Approximately $6 million |
| Victim Scope | Nationwide (victims across the country) |
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