Man accused in fraud scheme, murder plot

An Elkhart antheral is accused of conning victims retired of hundreds of thousands of dollars, past readying to termination them.

Investigators judge Charles Ray Smith took astatine slightest $320,000 from 4 victims, telling them to expect millions successful instrumentality for investments similar a crab treatments oregon commercialized property. Instead, FBI officers impeach Smith of utilizing the wealth to enactment a down outgo connected a house, and whitethorn person planned to termination the victims helium ripped off.

Smith sat done his archetypal tribunal hearing, Monday. He’s charged with national ligament fraud. According to a probable origin affidavit, Smith has recruited investors successful and astir Elkhart since 2009, for a non existent concern group. Prosecutors accidental nary of the victims person seen a instrumentality from their investments.

Once investigators started talking to victims, a confidential root with the FBI said Smith made arrangements to person the victims and others killed.

If convicted, Charles Ray Smith could look 20 years successful prison, up to $250,000 successful fines, and restitution to the victims. 

Smith is backmost successful tribunal for a probable origin hearing, Tuesday.