Henderson man charged with using social media in investment schemes
A Henderson man was indicted by a federal grand jury Wednesday on charges of stealing $1.7 million from people he met on social websites through phony investment schemes.
Sean Christopher Sladek, 39, who is in federal custody, was charged with two felony counts each of wire fraud and money laundering.
“Social media platforms are increasingly being used by persons with criminal intentions,” Nevada U.S. Attorney Daniel Bogden said in a statement. “Be very cautious and investigate the background of persons who request your money with promises to invest it.”
Sladek falsely portrayed himself as a successful securities trader to lure more than three dozen people he met on Craigslist and dating websites into making phony investments with him between 2011 and 2016, according to the indictment.
Instead of investing the money, he used it for gambling and other personal expenses, the indictment alleges.
The case was investigated by the FBI.
Contact Jeff German at jgerman@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-8135. Find @JGermanRJ on Twitter.
