Trump, Convicted Felon, Frees $1.6B Ponzi Scammer After Just 12 Days

Trump, himself a convicted felon, has sparked renewed controversy after commuting the sentence of David Gentile, the man behind a sprawling $1.6 billion Ponzi scheme. Gentile, who had been sentenced to 7 years in federal prison, walked free after serving only 12 days, leaving victims and observers alike stunned.

Gentile began his sentence on November 14. Many victims believed he would finally face real punishment. They had lost their savings and were still struggling to rebuild their lives. Seeing him released so quickly felt like another blow.

Prosecutors said Gentile used his company, GPB Capital, to deceive around 10,000 investors. Most of them were teachers, veterans, farmers, nurses, and other everyday workers simply trying to save for the future.

One person said, “I lost my whole life savings.” Others explained that they were now living paycheck to paycheck. Their stories showed how much harm Gentile caused to families across the country.

Trump did not erase Gentile’s conviction. Instead, he commuted the sentence, which means Gentile keeps the criminal record but avoids serving the rest of his time. His co-defendant, Jeffry Schneider, remains in prison. No clear reason was given for the split decision.

For many people watching this unfold, the move felt familiar. Over the years, Trump has often stepped in to help allies, wealthy businessmen, and individuals with serious financial crimes. Gentile fits that pattern easily.

Only days earlier, Trump pardoned Joseph Schwartz, a former nursing-home executive convicted in a $38 million tax fraud scheme. Later reports showed Schwartz paid almost $1 million to lobbyists Jack Burkman and Jacob Wohl—who both have fraud convictions—so they could push for his release.

Alice Marie Johnson, who leads Trump’s pardon efforts, praised Gentile’s release online. She said she was “grateful” he could return to his young children. But her message did nothing to ease the pain of the families who lost everything.

Adam Gana, an attorney representing many victims, said the decision was “unbelievable,” adding that the stories he hears every day are devastating and that Gentile “belongs in jail.”

Trump’s own legal past continues to hang over decisions like this. In May 2024, a New York jury found him guilty of 34 felonies tied to falsified business records and hush-money payments. Many people feel that helping someone convicted of a massive financial crime sends the wrong signal.

Featured image via X screengrab