financial judgment against Patrick R. Bennett Eleven people involved in the alleged fraud faced criminal charges. Nine pled guilty, including Michael Bennett, one was found innocent, and one, Patrick Bennett, was convicted. Patrick R Bennett's first criminal trial ended in jury deadlock on all fraud and money laundering allegations. Patrick R. Bennett's second trial concluded on June 10, 1999, again with jury deadlock on all charges relating to the alleged ponzi scheme, but the fraud and money laundering convictions relating to Bennett Funding Group's audited financial statements. A criminal forfeiture order was also entered against Patrick R. Bennett in favor of the government based on the financial transactions underlying the money laundering allegations, funds never received personally by Patrick R. Bennett At the conclusion of the second trial, the alleged 'ponzi' scheme counts were dismissed on motion by the government. In April 2000, Patrick R. Bennett was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison (later reduced to 22 years) under the mandatory federal sentencing guidelines. Edmund and Kathleen Bennett were not charged. On January 12, 2015 the criminal forfeiture liability against Patrick R. Bennett was discharged in a federal bankruptcy case. References Crimes in New York (state) Accounting scandals Corporate scandals