Jefferson Park restaurant duped feds out of $243K, landlord says

Justin Wingerter June 26, 2023

Sarto’s, an Italian eatery, closed in 2020 but received a PPP loan in 2021. An attorney says the business was trying to pivot.

Real estate investor Gary Dragul pleads guilty to fraud, agrees to 120 days in jail

Justin Wingerter June 6, 2023

Most of charges against Gary Drugal dropped because of statute of limitations

The 61-year-old must also pay $1 million in restitution, serve eight months of house arrest and complete 200 hours of community service.

Real estate investor Gary Dragul’s fraud trial begins Monday after five-year wait

Justin Wingerter June 5, 2023

The trial in Centennial could be followed by a second criminal trail, as well as a long-delayed civil one.

Fix-and-fraud? Football coach thief accused of fleecing real estate investors, Lake County

Justin Wingerter May 30, 2023

Sean McClay, 51, stole from his team’s booster club before soliciting money for fix-and-flip projects. Investors say they lost millions.

Crested Butte firefighters say fraudster Steve Bachar impersonated them after rejection

Justin Wingerter May 8, 2023

Bachar has been spending time in the ski town and falsely told people around town that he was a volunteer firefighter in order to acquire the smallest of small-town perks.

Shane Co. founder created subsidiary to pay girlfriends, ex-exec says

Justin Wingerter March 16, 2023

The former CEO of Shepherd’s Stone, which marketed stones that revealed a cross in certain lighting, says she’s owed at least $500,000.

Defrauding developer took $2.3M from investors, state charges

Justin Wingerter March 9, 2023

Joseph Libkey Jr. is accused of securities fraud in connection with three projects, including a proposed conversion of a downtown Colorado Springs hotel.