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Megan Hawthorne
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June 7, 2016

Schuette: Ottawa County Man Faces More

Than 30 Charges for Allegedly Running a
$1.5 Million Ponzi Scheme
Jenison man stole money from mostly senior citizen
clients which he used for personal expenses instead of
making the promised investments
LANSING Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette today filed 33 felony charges
against Scott Rookus, 45 of Jenison, for his role in running an alleged Ponzi scheme
between 2010 and 2015.
Rookus has been charged with the following crimes:

One count of Conducting a Continuing Criminal Enterprise; a 20 year felony;

One count of Embezzlement of $20,000 or more but less than $50,000; a 10 year felony
Two counts of Embezzlement of $50,000 or more but less than $100,000; a 10 year
felony;
Five counts of Embezzlement of $100,000 or more; a 20 year felony
Seven counts of Obtaining Money by False Pretenses over $20,000; a 10 year felony;
One Count of Obtaining Money by False Pretenses over $100,000; a 20 year felony;
Eight counts of Larceny by Conversion of $20,000 or more, a 10 year felony; and
Eight counts of Fraudulent Sales of Securities; a 10 year felony.

The crime this man allegedly committed, destroyed the savings of many who are on a
fixed income, said Schuette. Instead of admitting his mistakes he furthered his
criminal enterprise in an attempt to cover his already illegal dealings. I hope this will
provide some relief and repayment for those affected by this mans dealings.
Rookus was arraigned on June 7, 2016 in Ottawa County Circuit Court before Judge
Post. He was released on $10,000 Cash/Surety bond. Rookus was also required to
surrender his passport. He must request court permission for any travel outside the
State of Michigan and cannot have any contact with any victims named in the
complaint.
Case Background
Between 2010 and 2013 Rookus allegedly solicited and obtained investments of
approximately $1.5 million for his holdings company, New Haven Holdings. His
customers many of whom were senior citizens, were allegedly told that earnings from
their investments would come from the profits of Rookus enterprises, when in fact the
money he took resulted in an alleged Ponzi-scheme from which he was the primary
beneficiary.
To cover his tracks, Rookus allegedly issued fraudulent returns to some investors using
money from newer investors. He allegedly used the investor funds to pay personal
expenses such as his childrens private school education and to pay of tax liens against
him.
The alleged scheme was uncovered after Rookus filed for personal bankruptcy in
March 2015 and his investors found out that they had lost everything they invested.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until
proven guilty.
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The case complaint and a mug shot are attached.

Rookus Complaint.pdf
Rookus Mug Shot.jpg