A Fort Lauderdale man has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for his role in a massive Ponzi scheme that defrauded more than 150 investors of a combined $94 million, authorities said.
Andrew Hamilton Jacobus, 64, received a 240‑month prison sentence after previously pleading guilty to federal charges including wire fraud and money laundering, prosecutors announced.
Federal officials say Jacobus portrayed himself as an experienced international financial advisor and ran the scheme through companies he controlled, including Finser International Corporation and Kronus Financial Corporation. Over nearly two decades, he solicited funds by promising high‑yield investments and secure returns, but instead misappropriated investor money, using new funds to pay returns to earlier investors in classic Ponzi fashion.
Prosecutors noted the scheme spanned several continents and victimized investors in South Florida, Venezuela, Spain, and beyond. Among those defrauded were professionals, clergy, and members of the Venezuelan Catholic community.
At sentencing, more than 100 victims appeared either in court or remotely to witness the proceedings. U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Becerra handed down the maximum sentence, underscoring the significant harm caused.
Officials emphasized that schemes like this undermine trust and devastate lives. Jacobus must also serve supervised release after his prison term and may face restitution requirements, which will be addressed at a later hearing.
