A couple from Randolph, Massachusetts, has been charged with operating a Ponzi scheme that defrauded numerous investors of millions. Milendophe Duperier, 33, and Vanessa Joseph, 26, have agreed to plead guilty to one count each of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The court has not yet scheduled their plea hearings.
According to the charging documents, Duperier acted as an investment advisor, soliciting investments under the pretense that funds would be invested in securities markets. Joseph is alleged to have been his girlfriend and business partner.
The allegations state that between early 2018 and December 2022, Duperier and Joseph misled investors by claiming their funds would be used entirely for purchasing securities. Instead, they allegedly used the money to pay previous investors and cover personal expenses such as luxury vehicles and mortgage payments.
The charging documents claim the couple defrauded investors out of more than $3.2 million. They allegedly applied for small business loans under various entities and used these proceeds to pay purported returns to victims. Additionally, it is alleged that Duperier made false statements regarding delayed interest payments or returning principal amounts.
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. Sentences are determined by a federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
For questions or information about this case, contact usama.victimassistance@usdoj.gov.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Boston Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mackenzie A. Queenin and Leslie A. Wright are prosecuting the case.
All details in the charging documents are allegations; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
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