“These investors were looking for honesty and integrity when deciding where and with whom to invest their money,” said U.S. Attorney William McSwain.
Michael T. Harpster, special agent in charge of the FBI's Philadelphia Division, said, “So long as there are people with money to invest, there will be swindlers ready to take their money under false pretenses. But it is particularly loathsome when these criminals exploit trusting members of their own church or community."If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of 45 years in prison, a $5.
A call to an attorney listed for Trickling Springs Creamery in the Department of Banking and Securities filing was not immediately returned Friday. Trickling Springs opened in June 2001. The founders established strict guidelines for the farms producing their milk — including requiring grass-fed, heritage breed cows and no use of synthetic hormones — and would pay farms above-average prices to maintain these standards, according to the company's website. With this milk, the creamery used minimal processing and simple ingredients to produce its milk products, butter, cream, cheese, ice cream and other dairy products.