Manitowoc Man Sentenced To 7 Years In Prison For $3M Ponzi Scheme

A Manitowoc man has been sentenced to seven years in prison for a $3 million Ponzi scheme that defrauded 37 people, many of whom were elderly.

James Nickels, 68, earlier pleaded guilty to wire fraud. Prosecutors say Nickels convinced family, friend and neighbors to invest in his sham business. The scheme pays profits to early investors with funds from more recent investors.

Twelve persons who lost money, or whose deceased family members lost money due to the fraud, testified at Thursday’s sentencing in federal court. They talked about the financial and emotional harm and sense of betrayal that the defendant’s actions caused them.

Judge William Griesbach told Nickels he had committed an “evil, horrible” crime that was “grotesque” and had “high impact.” Griesbach reprimanded him for a lack of remorse.