US News

Florida man arrested in $18M Ponzi scheme

TRENTON, NJ — Federal authorities say a Florida man has been arrested on charges that he allegedly operated an $18 million Ponzi scheme involving victims from New Jersey.

New Jersey’s US attorney says Louis J. Spina was arrested Monday and charged with wire fraud.

Authorities say the 56-year-old Miami resident, formerly of Colts Neck, NJ, collected $18 million from 28 investors over a three-year period.

Prosecutors say Spina promised to invest the funds through his business, LJS Trading LLC, and guaranteed monthly rates of return as high as 14 percent.

They also say that Spina lost about $8 million of the investments in unsuccessful trading, and used the remaining $10 million to pay monthly interest payments and for personal expenses.

If convicted, Spina would face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.