A Fresno man pleaded guilty Monday to wire fraud in connection with a $9 million real estate investment scheme, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.

Matthew Campbell, 43, admitted his role in the fraud, according to court documents. Since 2012, Campbell operated two real estate investment companies, Preferred Property LLC and Ampez Rehab Investments LLC, which he used to buy and sell real estate, build and renovate properties, and solicit investor money to fund operations.

Starting in 2018, Campbell began using the businesses to conduct a Ponzi scheme, prosecutors said. He knowingly made false representations about his companies’ finances, the return on investment and distributions to attract new investors, then used the funds to pay returns to earlier investors.

Between January 2018 and October 2025, Campbell obtained more than $9.1 million in investor funds that he used in unauthorized ways, according to court documents. At least $2,293,000 in new investor funds went to pay earlier investors and continue the scheme.

Campbell is scheduled to be sentenced May 11 by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston.

He faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

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