Jury returns indictment in Ron Wilson Ponzi Case

United States Attorney Bill Nettles announces that a Federal Grand Jury in Greenville returned an indictment alleging a conspiracy to obstruct justice and to hide assets in the Ron Wilson ponzi case. The following individuals were charged in the indictment: Ronnie Gene Wilson, age 67, of the Coleman Federal Corrections Institution in Sumterville, Florida; Cassandra Kendall Wilson, age 66, of Woodruff, South Carolina; and Timothy L. Wilson, age 60, of Martin, Tennessee. In addition, Ronnie Gene Wilson was also charged with making false statements to federal agents. The maximum penalty the defendants could face for the conspiracy charge is 5 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000. The maximum penalty Ronnie Gene Wilson could face for false statement charge is 10 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000. The case was investigated by agents of the United States Secret Service and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins of the Greenville office for prosecution. The United States Attorney stated that all charges in this Indictment are merely accusations, and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Nettles further stated that since the original charges brought against Wilson and Atlantic Bullion & Coin in 2012, three individuals have been convicted of charges related to the Ponzi and the hiding of assets. On February 26, 2014, Wallace Lindsey Howell, age 62, of Mauldin, South Carolina, was sentenced for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs of Greenville imposed a 12 month sentence and ordered Howell to pay $3.5 million in restitution. On March 31, 2014, Benton T. Hall, age 22, of Mesa, Arizona, was sentenced for conspiracy to obstruct justice. Judge Childs imposed a 24 month sentence and ordered Hall to pay $172,000 in restitution. On April 28, 2014, Gordon L. Hall, age 61, of Mesa, Arizona, was sentenced for conspiracy to obstruct justice and wire fraud. Judge Childs imposed a 180 month sentence and ordered Hall to pay $172,000 in restitution.