Suppose I wanted to commit some crime. Allegedly. The first thing I would do is probably not buy more than 300 snowmobiles and then store them where I live. Why? Because I think that would be a really good indicator that I was committing some crime. Personally, I…
My lawyer is advising that I don’t finish that sentence. However, Stanley Poffle clearly wasn’t advised, as the Wausau, Wisconsin man did exactly that during his multi-million-dollar Ponzi scheme that defrauded many people in and around the area. We first reported on his arrest a few months ago, when the feds seized the snowmobiles, among other assets. However, there is now an update.
He has accepted his crime.
according to FBI’s Milwaukee Facebook page“Stanley Poffle, 64, Wausau, Wisconsin, pleaded guilty Friday in the Western District of Wisconsin to defrauding investors out of $14.25 million. According to court documents, Poffle defrauded 190 investors and used the money to purchase hundreds of snowmobiles, motorcycles and vehicles.”
The original 10-count indictment alleged that Popple engaged in wire fraud and money laundering, and used his tactics to create a Ponzi scheme to enrich himself. According to, he considered both guilty DOJ press release.
“Today’s plea hearing makes one thing abundantly clear: those who prey on hard-working people through deception and greed must face decisive consequences,” said U.S. Attorney Elgersma. “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to pursuing financial criminals no matter where they hide, and we will never hesitate to bring the full might of the justice system against anyone who abuses the public trust. “I commend the hard work and commitment of investigators to hold those who committed crimes accountable.”
Pophal will be sentenced by a judge this September, but as part of his plea agreement with the government, the terms of which were not disclosed at the time of this writing, the fraudster will forfeit his assets, including 300+ snowmobiles. The Fed will hold a public auction for them sometime in the near future.
Why not commit crimes if you don’t have time? Or maybe it’s less obvious that you’re committing a crime.
