Anthonie Ruinard Jr., 39, faces federal charges for orchestrating a $5.6 million Ponzi scheme while awaiting trial for murder. The Arizona restaurateur allegedly defrauded 54 investors through his fake company, Legacy Investors Group, Inc.

Posing as a wealthy investor worth $470 million, Ruinard promised monthly returns of 5-6% through venture capital, private equity, and real estate investments. Instead, he allegedly spent the money on casino gambling and luxury purchases, including a $344,000 armored vehicle.

The fraud charges come while Ruinard awaits trial for the June 2023 murder of 18-year-old Parker League, whose dismembered and burned body was found in Tonto National Forest near Apache Junction. Security footage showed League leaving a Chandler gas station with Ruinard on June 11, 2023 - the last time League was seen alive.

Investigators discovered League's blood and DNA in Ruinard's vehicle. After using the victim's bank cards post-murder, Ruinard was arrested in July 2023. He now faces 19 counts of wire fraud and transactional money laundering in addition to federal murder charges.

Ruinard's criminal history includes armed robbery, theft, making bomb threats, and animal cruelty. He previously owned Pastiche Modern Eatery in Tucson, which closed after employee paychecks bounced and a suspicious fire caused extensive damage.

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