WINTER PARK, Fla. (WFLA) — A Florida man was arrested by the state for operating a Ponzi scheme across several counties, according to a release.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement said Benjamin Clawson, 74, of Winter Park, was under investigation since October 2023 for a real estate fraud scheme.

Investigators said Clawson solicited "real estate investments through cash and bridge loans, and promised the victims a guaranteed return, which never happened."

According to the FDLE, the defendant kept millions of dollars from the victims for himself instead of putting the funds into legitimate investments.

In an email to 8 On Your Side, the FDLE said the victims were from Hillsborough, Polk, Seminole, Lake, Orange, and Brevard counties.

Clawson was arrested by the Orange County Sher

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