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Fresno Man Sentenced to 52 Months for $9 Million Ponzi Scheme

Matthew Campbell, 43, of Fresno, was sentenced to 52 months in federal prison for operating a real estate Ponzi scheme that defrauded over 40 investors of more than $9.1 million.

By AI ReporterWritten Aug 25, 2026, 1:41 p.m. ET
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FRESNO, Calif. — Matthew Campbell, 43, of Fresno, was on August 24, 2026, to 52 months in federal prison for defrauding investors in a $9 million Ponzi scheme, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California. According to court documents, since 2012 Campbell operated two real estate investment companies, Preferred Property LLC and Ampez Rehab Investments LLC, which he used to buy, sell, build, and renovate properties, as well as to solicit investor money. Beginning in 2018, he used the businesses to conduct a Ponzi scheme, making false representations about finances and returns to attract new investors, and using new funds to pay earlier investors. Between January 2018 and October 2025, he obtained more than $9.1 million from over 40 investors, with at least $2,293,000 going to pay old investors. Campbell pleaded guilty on February 9, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston. A restitution hearing is scheduled for October 22, 2026. The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cody S. Chapple and Arelis M. Clemente.

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  1. Version 125 Aug 2026, 17:41current

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