Sean Mueller, John Elway Ponzi-schemer, says he's suicidal, gets 40-year sentence anyway

Confessed Ponzi schemer Sean Mueller, whose victims include John Elway, first came to the police's attention in April, when he threatened to commit suicide by jumping off a parking garage. At his sentencing hearing yesterday. Mueller said he still thinks about taking his life daily, but that didn't win him...

By Michael Roberts

December 7, 2010

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Confessed Ponzi schemer Sean Mueller, whose victims include John Elway, first came to the police's attention in April, when he threatened to commit suicide by jumping off a parking garage. At his sentencing hearing yesterday. Mueller said he still thinks about taking his life daily, but that didn't win him mercy. Judge Martin Eglehoff gave him forty years -- the maximum possible amount under a plea agreement.

Below, find plenty o' information about Mueller, including the April arrest warrant and charging documents, which can be read in their entirety; an October press release from the Denver District Attorney's Office detailing the charges against him; a full-size mug shot; and Fox 31 coverage of yesterday's sentencing, featuring a slew of investors who remain angry despite the heavy jolt the judge gave Mueller.

Denver District Attorney's Office release:

MAN CHARGED IN PONZI SCHEME

Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey has formally charged a hedge fund manager with racketeering and other felony counts today.

Sean Michael Mueller (dob: 08-31-68) is charged with violating the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act (COCCA) (F2), securities fraud (F3) and two counts of theft (F3).

The charges allege that over the last ten years, Mueller knowingly used new investor funds to pay existing investors, failed to deposit investor funds in brokerage accounts as promised, created phony monthly account statements and created phony brokerage statements to hide his scheme.

The charges are the result of an investigation by the Colorado Division of Securities with assistance from the U.S. Secret Service. "This is an important example of how agencies can work together to protect investors in Colorado," said Colorado Securities Commissioner Fred Joseph. The investigation identified approximately 65 investors estimated to have lost tens of millions of dollars.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Mueller, and arrangements are being made for his surrender. His bond is set at $2,000,000 (cash only). He is scheduled to appear in Denver District Court 5H on Friday, October 15, 2010 at 8:30 to be formally advised of the charges.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

Contact: Michael Roberts

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