Arizona man pleads guilty to money laundering charges in $13 million ponzi scheme

An Arizona resident pleaded guilty in federal court to accusations of laundering proceeds from a $13 million fraud, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Public Affairs announced on July 28, 2025.

The man in question is Vincent Anthony Mazzotta Jr., age 54, who faces two counts, one for money laundering and another for conspiracy to obstruct justice. He is accused of collaborating with at least one co‑defendant to entice investors with promises of high returns via cryptocurrencies, powered by automated AI trading robots. In reality, the scheme was fraudulent, and investor funds were converted or diverted in violation of federal law.

Charged on two counts

Mazzotta, also known by aliases including “Vincent Midnight,” “Delta Prime,” and “Director Vinchenzo”, was previously based in the Hollywood Hills before relocating to Arizona. In addition to the money‑laundering count, Mazzotta has pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to obstruct justice, admitting he took steps to impede investigators’ work and conceal the illicit origins of the funds. The announcement did not disclose details on the obstructions or co‑conspirators involved.

Time behind bars

A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for December 15, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Dale S. Fischer. Under federal sentencing guidelines, Mazzotta faces up to 10 years in prison on the money laundering count and up to five years on the obstruction charge. Sentences for multiple offenses may be served consecutively, potentially extending his total time behind bars.

This case is one in many ongoing federal efforts to prosecute high‑profile frauds using digital assets. By entering a guilty plea, Mazzotta has accepted responsibility, allowing federal prosecutors to advance toward corrective recourse to the defrauded investors and to bolster deterrence against future similar schemes.