The Lead Off
- A Rocky River man has been indicted on 20 felony charges in connection with an alleged investment fraud scheme involving a cannabis candy company.
- Prosecutors allege six investors contributed a combined $200,000 between June 2021 and May 2022.
- The case is being prosecuted by the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office in partnership with the Ohio Division of Securities.
COLUMBUS, OHIO (WOWO) A Cuyahoga County grand jury has indicted a Northeast Ohio man on 20 felony charges stemming from an alleged securities fraud scheme involving investments in a cannabis candy company, according to the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Securities.
State officials announced that 54-year-old Garett Fortune of Rocky River was indicted on June 22 following an investigation into alleged incidents involving six investors between June 2021 and May 2022.
Charges outlined in indictment
According to the indictment, Fortune faces:
- Six counts of false representation
- Six counts of securities fraud
- Four counts of theft from a person in a protected class
- Three counts of grand theft
- One count of money laundering
The charges include five second-degree felonies, nine third-degree felonies, and six fourth-degree felonies.
Alleged investment scheme
According to prosecutors, Fortune allegedly solicited approximately $200,000 from six individuals to fund the operation of a cannabis candy company according to WHIO.
The indictment alleges he misrepresented material facts about the investment opportunity and failed to disclose information necessary for investors to make informed decisions…