A Fresno man was sentenced Monday to 52 months in federal prison for operating a $9 million real estate Ponzi scheme that defrauded more than 40 investors, federal prosecutors said.

Matthew Campbell, 43, used two real estate investment companies, Preferred Property LLC and Ampez Rehab Investments LLC, to solicit money from investors while making false claims about company finances, investment returns, and distributions, according to court documents.

Campbell had operated the companies since 2012 to buy, sell, build, and renovate properties. Prosecutors said he began using the businesses to operate a Ponzi scheme in 2018, using money from new investors to pay returns to earlier investors.

Between January 2018 and October 2025, Campbell obtained more than $9.1 million from over 40 investors and used the money in unauthorized ways, prosecutors said. At least $2.29 million in funds from new investors was used to pay earlier investors and keep the scheme operating.

Prosecutors said Campbell attracted new investments by promising unrealistically high returns and knowingly making false representations about his businesses.

Campbell pleaded guilty Feb. 9 before U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston.

The FBI investigated the case, which was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cody S. Chapple and Arelis M. Clemente.

A restitution hearing is scheduled for Oct. 22.

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