Massachusetts Woman Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud and Money Laundering Charges Related to Fraudulent Investment Scheme

            CONCORD - Jessica M. Teixeira, 41, of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty in federal court today to wire fraud and money laundering charges, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, between December 2015 and November 2017, Teixeira defrauded two New Hampshire investors by selling them a series of securities that were supposedly guaranteed and would generate high rates of return.  Teixeira represented herself as a solicitor of high-yield investment funds with connections to investment groups raising funds associated with domestic and foreign real estate developments, who solicited financing through private investors rather than banks.  In fact, Teixeira's claims to be connected to high-level investment groups were false, the investment contracts and notes she sold were worthless, and they generated no returns.  Teixeira would simply convert the invested funds to her own personal use and benefit, without returning any of the invested funds.  In total, the Teixeira obtained approximately $296,250 from the two investors.

            A sentencing date for Teixeira was not scheduled during the plea hearing.

            “Those who peddle fraudulent investment schemes deprive their victims of their hard-earned money for personal benefit,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “This case is an example of federal law enforcement’s combined effort to identify and prosecute those who commit financial fraud in New Hampshire.”

            “Ms. Teixeira’s conduct is a reminder to those who invest that integrity is not found behind every door. Those who defraud investors to unjustly enrich themselves will pay a hefty price,” said Special Agent in Charge Kristina O’Connell, of IRS Criminal Investigations in Boston.  “We are proud to bring our financial expertise to joint investigations of this type to help prevent future victims of investment schemes.”

            This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Davis and Anna Dronzek.