Man gets 13 years for Ponzi scheme

A San Clemente man who operated a Ponzi scheme out of his Newport Beach-based company was sentenced to 13 years and three months in federal prison, federal officials announced Tuesday.

John Anthony Miller, 52, was sentenced Monday after pleading guilty last year to mail fraud, bribery, passport fraud and identity fraud charges related to the Ponzi scheme he operated through his companies, JAM Jr. Enterprises and Forte Financial Partners.

From 2000 through 2008, Miller ripped off more than 130 people out of more than $21 million, officials said.

Miller promised his investors annual returns of up to 18% and collected about $800,000 from one family, authorities said.

He was arrested in November 2008 while trying to buy a fake passport from an undercover FBI agent. He was trying to flee the country as his scheme crumbled around him, officials said.

— Joseph Serna