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Leader of alleged Ponzi scheme free on bond

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by Doug Mouton / Northshore Bureau Chief

Posted on November 20, 2009 at 7:40 PM

Updated Friday, Nov 20 at 7:40 PM

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NEW ORLEANS -- Bill Chaucer walked out of jail free on bond at 2:30 p.m. Friday. Chaucer chose not to give answers to any questions asked of him.

Tangipahoa deputies arrested Chaucer at this home near Ponchatoula Thursday.

The State Attorney General and Tangipahoa District Attorney accuse Chaucer of stealing more than $11 million from more than 200 victims.

“Many of them lost a great deal of what they thought was there -- either their retirements or their savings, or their source of income to live on,” said Tangipahoa District Attorney Scott Perrilloux.

In all, Chaucer is charged with 80 felony counts including 20 counts of felony theft. All together, they could add up to more than 500 years in prison.

Perrilloux wouldn't say if charges will be brought against his wife Cheryl Chaucer.

The attorney general said much of the stolen money was spent on cosmetic surgery and jewelry for Mrs. Chaucer and on elaborate parties.

Before turning into a Ponzi scheme, investigators said Chaucer's investment company operated legally for years.

More charges are expected to come.

Brittney Reese contributed to this story.

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sassyfrass said on November 20, 2009 at 10:01 PM

Sure he's out of jail, now he's got to go stash all those $millions that he stole, Shame on him, he needs to go to church and pray for gods forgiveness, CROOK- I PRAY THE PEOPLE HE STOLE FROM GETS BACK AT LEAST SOME OF WHAT THIS CRIMINAL STOLE FROM THEM. This is what we all call " A WORTHLESS PIECE OF TRASH"

keekee said on November 21, 2009 at 10:05 AM

if the authorities say his business was legal up until a few years ago and it wasn't until me married the "prima dona" then I think they need to look at her. she has a juris doctorate degree and she became involved as a business partner shortly after marrying him, come on guys. you may think this gal is beautiful on the outside but it sounds like worms on the inside. I think she's the one behind the ponzi scheme he's just a man wanting to please his wife as sick as it sounds.

american14 said on November 21, 2009 at 5:24 PM

The wife was money greedy! She had a hand in that dirty dealing!