Woman Indicted, Facing Prison on Fraud Charges Connected to Chesterfield Businesses

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Daniela Spiridon, 41, of St. Charles, was indicted on six felony counts of wire fraud. Prosecutors said the indictment is in connection to a ponzi-style real estate scheme related to the purchase or sale of properties.

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Spiridon faces up to 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud.

According to prosecutors, Spiridon was affiliated with several businesses from an office in Chesterfield.

Details of the case are included in the following news release issued by the U.S. Attorney's Office Friday.

Daniela Spiridon was indicted in a Ponzi style real estate scheme related to the purchase or sale of properties. The indictment states that she never completed a purchase nor obtained bank financing for the purchasers, but deposited their escrow monies into her own accounts.               

According to the indictment, Spiridon was affiliated with several businesses from an office in Chesterfield, Missouri, which included A & AD Investments, LLC; CDRS ESC Investments; Sentrix Loan Production Office, and others. 

As part of the scheme Spiridon fraudulently offered to assist buyers in the purchases of properties that were acquired by lenders through foreclosure and held in inventory, known as Real Estate Owned (REO) properties.  She offered to broker purchases or arrange for financing related to the purchase or sale of the REO properties.  She had potential buyers place deposits on the properties, which she was to put into an escrow account, but she actually put the monies in a non-escrow account in one of her own companies.  She often used buyers’ funds for personal expenses and to reimburse other buyers who demanded their funds be returned rather than to secure real property or financing.        

Spiridon, 41, St. Charles, MO, was indicted by a federal grand jury March 13, 2013, on six felony counts of wire fraud.  The indictment was sealed until the defendant appeared in court earlier today.        

If convicted, each count of wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000.  In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.        

Additionally, upon a finding of guilt, the defendant will be subject to a forfeiture allegation, which will require the forfeiture of money and property derived from the illegal activity.