A former Darien investment adviser was sentenced to 90 months in prison (reported Feb. 18) after pleading guilty to wire fraud and tax evasion for a scheme that defrauded 14 clients of more than $4.3 million. The court also ordered restitution and supervised release.

A federal or state court sentenced a former Darien investment adviser to 90 months in prison following a guilty plea to wire fraud and tax evasion stemming from an advisory scheme that siphoned more than $4.3 million from 14 clients. According to court filings and reporting, the adviser falsified account statements, misrepresented investments, and misappropriated client funds for personal use and undisclosed purposes, conduct prosecutors characterized as a Ponzi‑style deception in some filings. Victims included retirees and individuals who had entrusted the defendant with retirement and investment assets; documentation and bank records were used at trial and in plea negotiations to quantify losses and trace diverted funds. The sentencing order also imposed restitution to affected clients and a period of supervised release, and tax penalties were applied for unreported income related to the scheme. Authorities said the case reflects prioritized enforcement against financial advisers who breach fiduciary duties and undermine investor confidence through false statements and improper transfers.