U.S. Department
of Justice
1st Million Dollars
United States vs. Dennis Jali et al., 20-CR-0220-TDC
Defendants:
- Dennis Mbongeni Jali
- John Erasmus Frimpong
- Arley Ray Johnson
Case Summary:
Between 2017 and May 2019, Defendants Jali, Frimpong, and Johnson operated a Ponzi-type fraud scheme, promising over 1,000 victims around the country that they would invest their money in foreign currencies and cryptocurrencies at no risk and with promises of profits of over 100% annually. Specifically, the Defendants operated three U.S. companies —1st Million LLC, Smart Partners LLC and Access2Assets LLC — as fronts for the scheme. In reality, the Defendants largely used investors’ money to make Ponzi payments to prior investors and to support their lifestyle.
Questionnaire:
If you are a victim of this crime, please fill out the questionnaire located here.
Court Dates:
Arley Johnson set to be sentenced on January 5, 2023 at 9:00 am
John Frimpong set to be sentenced on February 10, 2023 at 9:00 am
| Defendant | Custody status | Court dates |
|---|---|---|
|
Jali |
Detained pending extradition proceedings |
TBD |
|
Frimpong |
Detained without bail |
|
|
Johnson |
Released on conditions |
|
Indictment: On July 27, 2020, a federal grand jury returned a 13-count Indictment.
Sentencings: A sentencing hearing is scheduled before United States District Judge, Theodore Chuang, on January 5, 2023, 9:00 am, at the U.S. Courthouse, 6500 Cherrywood Lane, Greenbelt, MD, for the case which involves defendant Arley Johnson. Because of the Court’s schedule, hearing dates could change on very short notice. If you plan on attending, please contact Ashani Motisola at 301-344-4026 or Frank Burch III at 410-209-4953. If you would like to make an oral statement to the Court, we respectfully request that you provide us with 2 weeks advanced notice
A sentencing hearing is scheduled before United States District Judge, Theodore Chuang, on February 10, 2023, 9:00 am, at the U.S. Courthouse, 6500 Cherrywood Lane, Greenbelt, MD, for the case which involves defendant John Erasmus Frimpong. Because of the Court’s schedule, hearing dates could change on very short notice. If you plan on attending, please contact Ashani Motisola at 301-344-4026 or Frank Burch III at 410-209-4953. If you would like to make an oral statement to the Court, we respectfully request that you provide us with 2 weeks advanced notice.
Unless you have received a subpoena to attend as a witness in this matter, your attendance at trial is not required. Because of the Court’s schedule, hearing dates could change on very short notice. If you plan on attending, please contact Ashani Motisola at 301-344-4026 or Frank Burch III at 410-209-4953. If you would like to make an oral statement to the Court, please let Ashani or Frank know at least 1 week in advance.
COVID Restrictions during Trial
Due to the current COVID-19 health situation and effective 09/08/2021, in order to enter all U.S. Courthouses in the District of Maryland, visitors are required to be fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. Temporarily, all those NOT vaccinated will be allowed to enter only upon the display of official test results of a negative COVID-19 or antigen test, which has been administered no more than 72 hours prior to the court date. There are some exceptions if you are a victim attending a hearing. If you plan to attend the trial, please contact Ashani Motisola at 301-344-4026 or Frank Burch III at 410-209-4953 prior to the trial date for additional details, and to ensure you have the proper documentation needed for admittance into U.S. Courthouses in the District of Maryland. In addition, due to COVID-19 restrictions, seating in the Courtroom may be limited.
Trial Update:
On September 29, 2022, a jury returned the following verdicts involving the defendant, Arley Johnson:
Guilty on the following counts: one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1349 (Count One); two counts of wire fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343 (Counts Four and Five); one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371 (Count Six); and one count of securities fraud, in violation of 15 U.S.C. §§ 78j(b) & 78ff(a) (Count Ten). Defendant Johnson was found not guilty on several counts of wire and securities fraud.
Resources:
District of Maryland Victim-Witness Program Information: https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/victim-witness-assistance
Justice Department Large Case information: https://www.justice.gov/largecases
Press Releases:
Court Documents:
Other Information:
All case updates will be posted on this website.
The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.