Investors get $19M from ‘3 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.

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Kinnard can be reached at http://twitter.com/MegKinnard

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Online: http://www.3hbreceiver.com