Ex-NFL player sentenced for $5M Ponzi scheme

Former NFL linebacker John Robert Leake has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for a Ponzi scheme that defrauded victims of over $5 million. The sentencing took place in Los Angeles, where U.S. District Judge John F. Walter ordered Leake to pay back the full amount he stole, plus more in restitution. Leake, who is 43 years old, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering in September 2024. Between June 2015 and March 2020, he convinced six victims to invest $8.1 million by promising high returns from fake business ventures, such as luxury real estate investments. The U.S. Department of Justice reports that Leake made fraudulent claims about investing his own money and issued promissory notes that promised fixed interest. However, he knew these business opportunities were fake. Leake used the money from investors to pay for personal expenses like gambling and credit card bills. He also paid “interest” and “capital” payments to keep the Ponzi scheme going, using funds from both victims and his own pocket. Leake played two seasons in the NFL for the Atlanta Falcons and the Green Bay Packers after a successful college career at Clemson.