A former real estate podcaster has been sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for orchestrating a Ponzi scheme that defrauded over $7.3 million from at least 63 victims across the United States. Matthew Motil, 45, of North Olmsted, Ohio, was found guilty of using his podcast and other marketing tools to position himself as a real estate expert.
Court documents reveal that between October 2017 and March 2022, Motil used his companies to solicit investments by promising lucrative returns through promissory notes allegedly secured by mortgages on properties in Northeast Ohio. However, these properties were repeatedly used to deceive multiple investors into believing they held sole mortgage rights.
Acting U.S. Attorney Carol M. Skutnik for the Northern District of Ohio stated: “These victims were deceived and manipulated into handing over their hard-earned money to a shameless and selfish individual for his own benefit.”
Motil utilized the funds for personal expenses including leasing a large home on Lake Erie and purchasing courtside seats at Cleveland Cavaliers games. He also sustained his fitness businesses with the defrauded money.
U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Blaine M. Forschen emphasized their commitment to justice: “The 63 victims of this investment/Ponzi scheme are at the forefront of our work, and this conviction reflects our steadfast commitment to justice on their behalf.”
After pleading guilty to securities fraud and wire fraud on September 5, 2024, U.S. District Court Judge Donald C. Nugent sentenced Motil on July 18, 2025. Besides imprisonment, he faces three years of supervised release and must pay $5,085,247.08 in restitution.
The investigation involved significant contributions from the United States Secret Service Money Laundering Task Force* along with assistance from local agencies such as the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Erica D. Barnhill prosecuted the case for the Northern District of Ohio.
