Leander, Texas, August 8, 2025
News Summary
Nicholas Keith Bonneville, a resident of Leander, Texas, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for defrauding over 100 individuals through a fake foreign exchange trading scheme. He falsely promised investors significant returns, ultimately causing nearly $1 million in losses. Bonneville was also ordered to pay $575,450.30 in restitution. His arrest in February 2025 led to a guilty plea for wire fraud, highlighting the importance of vigilance among investors.
Leander, Texas – Nicholas Keith Bonneville, a 25-year-old resident of Leander, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for his role in a fraudulent scheme that victimized over 100 individuals. U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman also ordered Bonneville to pay $575,450.30 in restitution for the damages incurred by his victims.
The case traces back to Bonneville falsely claiming to be a prosperous foreign exchange trader. He attracted clients by promising to double their investments dollar-for-dollar, with a cap of $100,000. Bonneville made grand claims that he had transformed a $50,000 investment into $1 million in under a year, suggesting a staggering 2,000% return on investment. However, an investigation conducted by the FBI revealed that Bonneville had never engaged in any actual foreign exchange trading.
Instead of investing the funds as promised, Bonneville misappropriated the money for personal expenses and used it to pay other victims in what was essentially a classic Ponzi scheme. His operations ultimately led to a total of nearly $1 million being defrauded from investors.
Bonneville’s criminal activity came to light, and he was arrested in February 2025. Following his arrest, he entered a guilty plea for one count of wire fraud on May 15, 2025. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Harding of the Western District of Texas led the prosecution in this case.
Details of the Fraud Scheme
Investigators discovered that Bonneville misled victims with false representations about his trading success and return rates. His fraudulent activities resulted in severe financial losses for many, leading to significant emotional and financial distress among the victims. The court emphasized the seriousness of Bonneville’s actions, underscoring the trust that individuals place in investment opportunities.
Background Information
Wire fraud, which Bonneville was charged with, involves the use of electronic communications or an electronic device in furtherance of a fraudulent scheme. It is a federal offense with severe penalties, as seen in this case. The financial markets are closely regulated to protect investors, and schemes like Bonneville’s undermine public confidence in such systems.
The prosecution and sentencing align with ongoing efforts by the federal government to crack down on white-collar crime and hold accountable those who exploit the financial vulnerabilities of individuals. The case serves as a warning to potential victims to perform due diligence before making any significant financial investments.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Nicholas Keith Bonneville to 37 months in prison and the restitution order highlights the consequences of fraudulent activities in the financial sector. It reinforces the importance of vigilance and awareness among investors who seek opportunities to grow their wealth.
FAQs
What was Nicholas Keith Bonneville convicted of?
Nicholas Keith Bonneville was convicted of wire fraud after running a scheme that defrauded over 100 victims.
How long is Bonneville’s prison sentence?
Bonneville was sentenced to 37 months in prison.
How much restitution was Bonneville ordered to pay?
Bonneville was ordered to pay $575,450.30 in restitution to his victims.
What false claims did Bonneville make to his victims?
Bonneville falsely claimed to be a successful foreign exchange trader and promised returns of up to 2000% on investments.
When was Bonneville arrested?
He was arrested in February 2025.
Who prosecuted the case?
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Harding for the Western District of Texas.
Key Features of the Fraud Scheme
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Offender | Nicholas Keith Bonneville |
| Age | 25 years old |
| Location | Leander, Texas |
| Prison Sentence | 37 months |
| Restitution Ordered | $575,450.30 |
| Victims Affected | Over 100 |
| Total Fraud Amount | Nearly $1 million |
| Fraud Method | False claims of foreign exchange trading success |
| Investigation Agency | FBI |
| Prosecutor | Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Harding |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Leander Man Sentenced to 37 Months for Ponzi Scheme
Additional Resources
- CBS Austin
- Wikipedia: Wire Fraud
- KXAN News
- Google Search: Leander Texas fraud news
- FOX 7 Austin
- Google Scholar: Leander Texas fraud investigation
- Hoodline News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ponzi scheme
- Statesman
- Google News: Fraud sentencing Texas
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