Hebrew Boys Scam

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) _ Investors are receiving some of the money they entrusted with a South Carolina trio dubbed the “3 Hebrew Boys” currently serving decades in prison for an $80 million scam. U.S. Attorney Bill Nettles said Wednesday that about 3,800 investors had been sent checks totaling about $19 million. The payouts are the first ones to the thousands of investors who said they were fleeced by Joseph Brunson, Timothy McQueen and Tony Pough. The men drew their nickname from a Biblical tale about two believers in God who survived being tossed into a fiery furnace because of their faith. Court-appointed receiver Beattie Ashmore says more payouts are planned. All three men are currently appealing their 2009 convictions on 58 counts each of mail fraud, money laundering and other charges.