Wife of Accused Saginaw Scam Artist charged

LANSING –Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette today announced the filing of criminal charges against a Saginaw woman for her alleged role in impeding an investigation into an extensive Ponzi scheme. M. Viktoria Wilson, 24, of Saginaw has been charged with one count of Lying to a Police Officer During the Investigation of Crime, a felony punishable by up to four years in prison. Wilson is the wife of Joel Wilson, 30, of Saginaw, who was charged criminally by Schuette’s office in January of this year for operating a Ponzi scheme and has fled the country.
“Scam artists who defraud Michigan citizens, particularly senior citizens, think they can run but they cannot hide from the law,” said Schuette. “We are working to secure justice for the Michigan victims and families affected by this scam.”
It is alleged that on January 8, 2013, Mrs. Wilson lied to Attorney General investigators during an interview that occurred when investigators were attempting to locate Mr. Wilson, who has fled the country. Mrs. Wilson was arrested by Saginaw Valley State University Police on March 13, 2013 and arraigned March 14, 2013 by 70th District Court Judge A.T. Frank. Bond was set at $10,000. Her Pre-Exam conference is set to take place on March 25, 2013 at 9:30 AM and her Preliminary Exam is set for March 26, 2013 at 2:45 PM. Both court appearances will take place at Saginaw’s 70th District Court.
Beginning in 2009, it is alleged that Mr. Wilson scammed investors through his operation of The Diversified Group Advisory Fund LLC, an investment company. Mr. Wilson allegedly told investors that he would use their funds to purchase distressed properties in the Saginaw area and Bay City areas. The properties would later be refurbished and sold for profit, which would go to investors.
When funds Mr. Wilson collected from the sales of the unregistered securities failed to turn a profit, he allegedly used new investor funds to pay returns to previous investors – the trademark of a Ponzi scheme. In addition, Mr. Wilson allegedly pocketed approximately $47,000 of the investment funds to pay his personal expenses and acquire personal assets.
The following nine charges were filed against Mr. Wilson in Bay City District Court on January 8, 2013:
One count of Continuing Criminal Enterprise (Racketeering), a felony punishable by up to twenty years in prison;
Three counts of Sale of Unregistered Securities, a felony punishable by up to ten years in prison;
One count of Larceny by Conversion ($20,000 or more), a felony punishable by up to ten years in prison;
One count of Larceny by Conversion ($1,000-$20,000), a felony punishable by up to five years in prison; and,
Three counts of Fraudulent Sale of Securities, a felony punishable by up to ten years in prison.
Arrangements are being made for Wilson to surrender to the proper authorities. Once he is in custody, an arraignment date will be set.
Citizens who believe they may have been victims of Joel Wilson or The Diversified Group are encouraged to file complaints with the Attorney General’s Office at www.michigan.gov/ag by clicking “File a Complaint.”
A criminal charge is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Schuette encourages seniors to exercise caution before investing their money with those who promise exorbitant returns. Key tips to avoid falling victim to a Ponzi scheme or investment fraud include:
Check out your broker or adviser. Confirm that your broker and financial adviser is registered and in good standing. Contact the Bureau of Commercial Services with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, at 517-241-6345, to check out your broker or adviser.
Beware of strangers touting strange deals. Trusting strangers is a mistake anyone can make when it comes to their personal finances. Almost anyone can sound nice or honest on the telephone. Say “no” to any investment professional who presses you to make an immediate decision, giving you no opportunity to check out the salesperson, firm and the investment opportunity itself. Beware of anyone who suggests investing your money into something you don’t understand or who urges that you leave everything in his or her hands.
Take your time – don’t be rushed into investment decisions. Salespersons who use high-pressure tactics to force an investor into an immediate decision are almost always pitching frauds. They don’t want you to think too carefully or find out too much because you may figure out that it’s a scam.
Keep tabs on your investments. Be wary when a financial planner says “leave everything to me,” or “the plan is too complicated to tell you.” Everything should be clear and explainable to you.
Monitor the activity on your account. Insist on receiving regular statements.
Ask Questions. Never be embarrassed or apologetic about asking questions for trading activity that looks excessive or unauthorized. It’s your money, not your broker’s.
Keep Diligent Records. Keep all of your records relating to your investments, including notes of conversations you have with brokers, salespeople, and financial advisers.

Consumers can find helpful advice and a list of questions to consider in Attorney General Schuette’s Consumer Alert for Ponzi Schemes, available on the Schuette’s website at http://1.usa.gov/AGPonziAlert. Attorney General Schuette also offers specialized consumer advice for seniors on how to avoid investment fraud through the Senior Brigade website, http://bit.ly/investmentfraud.