Massachusetts Woman Sentenced To 41 Months For Orchestrating Fraudulent Investment Scheme

          CONCORD - Jessica M. Teixeira, 41, of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, was sentenced to 41 months in prison for wire fraud and money laundering charges related to a fraudulent investment scheme, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today. 

          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 she claimed were guaranteed to 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 about being connected to high-level investment groups were false.  The investment contracts and notes she sold were worthless and they generated no returns.  Teixeira simply converted 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.

          Teixeira, who previously pleaded guilty on March 13, 2019, also was ordered to pay restitution of $296,250 to her victims.           

          “The defendant’s criminal pursuit of self-interest inflicted a substantial loss on two victims” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “She used a series of false promises to take advantage of her victims and steal their funds.  Those who engage in this type of scheme should understand that they will face substantial prison sentences because federal law enforcement agencies are working together to identify and prosecute those who commit financial fraud.”

          “Much like a house of cards, this investment scheme wasn’t built on a solid foundation of integrity and honesty,” said Special Agent in Charge Kristina O’Connell, of IRS Criminal Investigations in Boston.  “The sentence imposed today should serve as a clear warning - those who defraud investors of their hard-earned money will ultimately be held accountable.”

          “Jessica Teixeira took advantage of innocent investors by knowingly and wittingly creating a fraudulent investment scheme for her own personal gain,” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph R. Bonavolonta of the FBI Boston Division. “With today’s sentence, she is finally held accountable for her criminal conduct and the FBI will continue working with our law enforcement partners to find fraudsters like her and hold them accountable.”

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