Ex-county councilman wins SC silver scheme delay

GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) — A former Anderson County councilman accused of running a multi-million dollar precious metals Ponzi scheme gets a delayed court date.

Ronnie Wilson had been scheduled for a hearing in Greenville on Tuesday, but Wilson’s attorneys won a delay until an August 7.

Wilson was charged last month with mail fraud after authorities said he took millions of dollars from investors through his business, Atlantic Bullion & Coin, but never actually bought them the silver bullion he promised.

Authorities say more than 900 people invested about $90 million with Wilson. Prosecutors say he altered receipts to increase the purchase price of the silver when a customer went to cash it in so he could keep the scheme going.

Prosecutors say investors lost nearly $60 million.