Brother's Ponzi Scheme: Mayor's Distance from Crime

0:00Timothy France Johnson, the 63-year-old estranged brother of El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson, just pleaded guilty to seven counts of wire fraud. He ran a Ponzi scheme that ripped off over $3 million from at least 30 investors by pretending to be an NBA preseason game promoter. He promised them guaranteed returns with zero risk, using fake contracts and statements to back up his NBA connections. Instead of funding games or marketing, he paid off early investors and pocketed cash for personal use. The mayor has kept his distance, saying they've been out of touch for years, and he's sorry for the victims and their parents. Renard Johnson stressed this is a personal family issue, and he's not involved in any wrongdoing. On March 27, a federal judge in El Paso accepted the plea, dismissing three other money laundering charges as part of the deal. No sentencing date yet, but Johnson faces up to 20 years per count, with possible restitution to come. This case shines a light on family ties tested by crime, while the mayor stays focused on city business, proving blood doesn't always run thicker than

1:04justice. That wraps El Paso news today. Brought to you with AI. I'm Corey with The Story.