A Ponzi-scheme suspect
is arrested, accused of targeting Florida churches.
Authorities arrested former Dr. Phillips-area resident Chris Maguire on Friday in New Hampshire, accused of running a Ponzi scheme that targeted conservative Christian churches in Florida, among other victims, according to a federal court docket.
Maguire was released to the custody of family members Friday, with an order that he not incur any new debts, and that he appear in Tampa federal court Dec. 10, according to federal court records filed in New Hampshire.
Under an indictment unsealed during the weekend, Maguire faces 21 counts of wire fraud, illegal monetary transactions and transporting illegal funds across state lines.
Maguire allegedly ran an investment fraud where he told people he had a “proof-of-funds” loan business. He’s accused of telling investors he was making a quick profit of 20 percent on funds.
Maguire’s alleged fraud was at least $13.4 million in scope and fleeced several people associated
Chris Maguire’s alleged fraud was at least $13.4M in scope and fleeced several people associated with Christian churches and organizations.
with Christian churches and organizations — including the pastor of a black church near Tampa, Ron Ellis, according to allegations filed in state and federal courts. He also did business with two church organizations in Winter Haven — Champions Church Inc. and All-Pro Pastors Inc. — according to the indictment.
Maguire, 33, appeared to be a wealthy financial wizard to many people. He lived in a waterfront home in Dr. Phillips, drove Lamborghinis and bought houses and cars for his friends. But federal authorities said it was all part of the latest Ponzi scheme in Central Florida.
Ellis’ church itself, Exalted Word Ministries, claims losses of $30,000, according to a lawsuit. The indictment seeks forfeiture of at least $5 million allegedly bilked from investors.
Court records indicate that Maguire took about $6,000 in investor money when he tried to flee north over the summer. He was previously arrested in Florida on civil contempt charges, held for questioning and released on a promise that he would provide more information about his finances. Maguire previously told attorneys in a deposition that some of the money had been moved to overseas bank accounts.
By the time a new arrest warrant was issued in the civil matter, Maguire’s whereabouts were unknown until the New Hampshire arrest.
Attempts to reach Maguire and attorneys who have represented him were unsuccessful.
One complaint filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Tampa described Maguire’s scheme in a 12-page document: From 2012 to April 2014, Maguire told people he ran a financial company, usually Vivid Funding LLC, that provided “proof-of-funds” letters for corporations. He told investors they could get big returns on their money if they invested, and their money would be held in a trust account. Prosecutors allege Maguire never used the money as described. Instead, he allegedly pooled the money in one slush fund and paid out large payments to previous investors, the classic definition of a Ponzi scheme. Authorities allege that he siphoned off about $4 million for personal expenses.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has also identified a financial adviser who helped Maguire — William Peterseim, formerly of Longwood and now of Wesley Chapel, near Tampa. Peterseim was described as helping to steer investors to Maguire, in a federal complaint filed in Tampa to seize Peterseim’s home.
Peterseim has denied knowing about Maguire’s alleged fraud. In the complaint, federal authorities said Maguire bought a house for Peterseim, paid directly out of the slush-fund account.