DENVER—Prosecutors say three people facing fraud charges over an alleged investment scheme involving millions of dollars should face trial in Grand Junction.
Federal prosecutor Michelle Heldmyer says holding the trial in Denver as planned denies affected citizens in 14 Western Slope counties the opportunity to sit in on the case.
Indicted were Valley Investments owners Philip R. Lochmiller and Philip R. Lochmiller II, and employee Shawnee Carver.
Defense attorneys oppose the move on several grounds, including security concerns and convenience for the elder Lochmiller.
Prosecutors say the Lochmillers and Carver solicited about $31 million from as many as 400 investors, knowing their business wasn’t generating enough profits.
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Information from: The Daily Sentinel,
