SC businessman getting hearing over account freeze

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — An Anderson County businessman under investigation for securities fraud allegations is expected in court.

A hearing is scheduled Thursday for Ronnie Wilson in Columbia over prosecutors’ request to freeze his bank accounts.

Authorities are investigating claims that Wilson ran a multi-million dollar Ponzi scheme from his Easley precious metals business. Authorities say the former Anderson County Council member told customers of Atlantic Bullion & Coin their money was being used to buy silver, which they could later sell for a profit.

But prosecutors say Wilson committed securities fraud, purchasing little of the precious metal.

The attorney general wants a judge to order Wilson to stop selling securities, order an audit of his business and appoint a receiver to handle the business’ assets.

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