Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

CEO Pleads Guilty in $380M Ponzi Scheme, Faces 17.5 Years

1/22/2026

25 2

Summary

Story summary

Todd Burkhalter, CEO of Drive Planning LLC, pleaded guilty to orchestrating a $380 million Ponzi scheme defrauding more than 2,000 investors.
Prosecutors recommended a 17.5-year prison sentence for Burkhalter.
Burkhalter promised 10% returns every three months and claimed the funds were backed by real estate.
He used investor funds to finance a lavish lifestyle, including a $2 million yacht and a luxury condo in Mexico.

1 of 1

Story summary

Todd Burkhalter, CEO of Drive Planning LLC, pleaded guilty to orchestrating a $380 million Ponzi scheme defrauding more than 2,000 investors.
Prosecutors recommended a 17.5-year prison sentence for Burkhalter.
Burkhalter promised 10% returns every three months and claimed the funds were backed by real estate.
He used investor funds to finance a lavish lifestyle, including a $2 million yacht and a luxury condo in Mexico.