Victims waiting for money in Orlando-based Ponzi scheme plea deal
Updated: 4:10 PM EDT Jun 24, 2026
When WESH 2 News tried to speak with Christopher Delgado on Feb. 26, he was leaving the federal courthouse in downtown Orlando after being fitted with a GPS ankle monitor. He also turned in his passport so that he could not leave the country to any number of places where he had bought and stored items of great value. Now, the founder of Goliath Ventures — which promised investors they would be rich in cryptocurrency — has agreed to a plea deal which includes the surrender of the massive wealth, prosecutors alleged, that he gained by stealing from investors and buying luxury items, such as a Rolls Royce. Delgado has agreed with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida to plead guilty to conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering. He faces up to 50 years, if sentenced to the maximum punishment, and will be ordered to pay at least $250 million in restitution to more than 1,000 investors. The first two charges each carry 20-year maximum prison terms and the third carries a maximum sentence of 10 years. “I hope he pays. I hope he spends every bit of 30 years (in prison, if convicted) and no parole,” said one man who spoke with WESH 2 News under the condition that his identity be concealed. He said he “invested” his life savings with Delgado. The man explained further, “It was about $500,000. It’s all I’ve got. I’m broke as broke.” After learning that Delgado is pleading guilty, that investor told WESH 2 News, “I put this on God’s hands and pray we do get full restitution. The stress that has been put on me and my family is unbearable so, for everyone involved in this Ponzi scheme, they should get the full sentence.” The man continued, “(The prosecutors) need to set an example to those involved to show others what can happen if they decide to con people out of their money.” Locally, prosecutors said Delgado used stolen money to buy eight properties, including office space in The Plaza at the corner of Orange Avenue and Church Street in downtown Orlando. That space and seven homes in Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties are worth $14.5 million, according to property records reviewed by WESH 2 News. The largest home is in the exclusive Isleworth community once owned by convicted murderer Bob Ward, who was sent to prison for killing his wife. That estate home is worth nearly $5 million. Besides the eight properties, the plea agreement also calls for the forfeiture of assets, including 11 luxury vehicles, and more than 100 watches, necklaces, bracelets, bags and wallets. Delgado is also returning charitable donations he made to nonprofits, including the Victoria’s Voice Foundation ($255,000), founded by the late timeshare mogul David Siegel. Delgado — who was an Orange County Commission candidate just four years ago, seeking the public’s trust — now faces a likely prison sentence for breaking the trust of unsuspecting investors. WESH 2 News reached out to Delgado’s attorney for comment. We’ll update our report if and when they respond. Delgado, who is also wrapped up in bankruptcy court, has a criminal case hearing next week.
ORLANDO, Fla. —
When WESH 2 News tried to speak with Christopher Delgado on Feb. 26, he was leaving the federal courthouse in downtown Orlando after being fitted with a GPS ankle monitor. He also turned in his passport so that he could not leave the country to any number of places where he had bought and stored items of great value.
Now, the founder of Goliath Ventures — which promised investors they would be rich in cryptocurrency — has agreed to a plea deal which includes the surrender of the massive wealth, prosecutors alleged, that he gained by stealing from investors and buying luxury items, such as a Rolls Royce.
Delgado has agreed with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida to plead guilty to conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering. He faces up to 50 years, if sentenced to the maximum punishment, and will be ordered to pay at least $250 million in restitution to more than 1,000 investors. The first two charges each carry 20-year maximum prison terms and the third carries a maximum sentence of 10 years.
“I hope he pays. I hope he spends every bit of 30 years (in prison, if convicted) and no parole,” said one man who spoke with WESH 2 News under the condition that his identity be concealed. He said he “invested” his life savings with Delgado.
The man explained further, “It was about $500,000. It’s all I’ve got. I’m broke as broke.”
After learning that Delgado is pleading guilty, that investor told WESH 2 News, “I put this on God’s hands and pray we do get full restitution. The stress that has been put on me and my family is unbearable so, for everyone involved in this Ponzi scheme, they should get the full sentence.”
The man continued, “(The prosecutors) need to set an example to those involved to show others what can happen if they decide to con people out of their money.”
Locally, prosecutors said Delgado used stolen money to buy eight properties, including office space in The Plaza at the corner of Orange Avenue and Church Street in downtown Orlando. That space and seven homes in Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties are worth $14.5 million, according to property records reviewed by WESH 2 News. The largest home is in the exclusive Isleworth community once owned by convicted murderer Bob Ward, who was sent to prison for killing his wife. That estate home is worth nearly $5 million.
Besides the eight properties, the plea agreement also calls for the forfeiture of assets, including 11 luxury vehicles, and more than 100 watches, necklaces, bracelets, bags and wallets.
Delgado is also returning charitable donations he made to nonprofits, including the Victoria’s Voice Foundation ($255,000), founded by the late timeshare mogul David Siegel.
Delgado — who was an Orange County Commission candidate just four years ago, seeking the public’s trust — now faces a likely prison sentence for breaking the trust of unsuspecting investors.
WESH 2 News reached out to Delgado’s attorney for comment. We’ll update our report if and when they respond.
Delgado, who is also wrapped up in bankruptcy court, has a criminal case hearing next week.