Rebecca C. Lutzko United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio
A former real estate podcaster has been sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for orchestrating a Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors of over $7.3 million. Matthew Motil, 45, from North Olmsted, Ohio, used his podcast and marketing tools to present himself as an expert in real estate investment. He operated several companies and promised investors lucrative returns by providing promissory notes allegedly secured by mortgages on properties in Northeast Ohio.
Motil misled at least 63 victims across the United States between October 2017 and March 2022. The victims believed they were the sole mortgage holders of the investment properties and would recover their investments through foreclosure if payments were not made.
Acting U.S. Attorney Carol M. Skutnik stated, "These victims were deceived and manipulated into handing over their hard-earned money to a shameless and selfish individual for his own benefit."
The investigation revealed that Motil used new investor funds to pay earlier investors, maintaining the fraudulent scheme while funding his lifestyle with expenses such as leasing a home on Lake Erie and securing courtside seats at Cleveland Cavaliers games.
U.S. Secret Service Special Agent Blaine M. Forschen emphasized the commitment to justice for the victims: "The 63 victims of this investment/Ponzi scheme are at the forefront of our work, and this conviction reflects our steadfast commitment to justice on their behalf."
Motil pleaded guilty to securities fraud and wire fraud on September 5, 2024. He was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Donald C. Nugent on July 18, 2025, also receiving three years of supervised release after imprisonment and being ordered to pay $5,085,247.08 in restitution.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service Money Laundering Task Force with assistance from local authorities including the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Erica D. Barnhill prosecuted the case for the Northern District of Ohio.
