Jurors consider 'Bo' Beckman's fate in Ponzi scheme

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Jurors were expected to begin deliberations Friday in Minnesota's second-largest Ponzi scheme case.

They'll sort through five weeks of evidence in deciding the fate of three defendants accused of playing a key role in scheme that bilked $194 million from more than 700 people.

Jason "Bo" Beckman, Gerald Durand and Patrick Kiley are facing numerous charges, including money laundering, tax evasion and wire and mail fraud. Beckman is also accused of attempting to defraud the National Hockey League with false information during his failed attempt to invest in the Minnesota Wild in 2008.

The St. Paul Pioneer Press says the man accused of running the scheme from his mansion in Minneapolis, Trevor Cook, is serving a 25-year sentence after pleading guilty to fraud.

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Information from: St. Paul Pioneer Press

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