Congressman Asks for Lighter Sentence in Ponzi Case | Kansas City News

A Missouri Congressman is sparking outrage after asking a judge to sentence a foreign Ponzi schemer to just 48 months — a fraction of the max 20 years — despite the fraud costing victims $25 million. The defendant, who’s been in the U.S. illegally since 2005, allegedly used stolen funds for private jets and luxury hotels. Prosecutors allege the Congressman’s office paid a consulting firm millions over the years — the same firm that reportedly helped draft the letter and even had its CEO on a jail call reassuring the defendant it was “from someone good.” The letter, written on official letterhead but in the Congressman’s personal capacity, praised the judge before advocating for leniency. Prosecutors say the money spent on influence could have gone to victims. The man faces deportation after sentencing, scheduled for 2:15 PM. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Sources:https://www.kctv5.com/2026/09/15/missouri-congressman-asks-judge-leniency-immigrant-involved-25-million-ponzi-scheme/ More coverage & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/8a6c10df2defed3d Report issues to [email protected].