Tr?id=566623520170033&ev=PageView&noscript=1

ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï

Drive Planning Founder Pleads Guilty to $380 Million Ponzi Scheme

Posted on February 23rd, 2026 at 2:01 PM
Drive Planning Founder Pleads Guilty to $380 Million Ponzi Scheme

From the desk of Jim Eccleston at ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï

Todd Burkhalter, founder and chief executive officer of Drive Planning LLC, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud after admitting he orchestrated a $380 million Ponzi scheme that defrauded more than 2,000 investors.

According to Financial Advisor News, authorities described the fraud as the largest Ponzi scheme uncovered in Georgia. The scheme took place between 2020 and 2024. Prosecutors alleged that Burkhalter used his Alpharetta-based advisory firm to market fraudulent investment strategies centered on real estate and tax lien opportunities that promised consistent, high returns.

Drive Planning promoted two primary investment programs: the Real Estate Acceleration Loan program, known as REAL, and the Cash Out Real Estate Fund, known as the CORE Fund. Financial Advisor News reports that prosecutors stated that both programs were marketed as low-risk investment opportunities, but neither operated as represented.

Federal authorities stated that Burkhalter used investor funds to sustain the scheme and finance personal expenditures. Prosecutors alleged that Burkhalter paid earlier investors with funds obtained from newer investors and paid commissions to sales agents.

Under the plea agreement, federal prosecutors plan to recommend a 17½-year prison sentence for Burkhalter, though the sentencing judge retains discretion over the final penalty. Burkhalter previously held a Series 65 investment adviser license and worked with several firms through 2014. However, he was not registered with the SEC or FINRA during the period when Drive Planning marketed the unregistered securities at issue, according to Financial Advisor News.

 

ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï LLC represents investors and financial advisors nationwide in securities, employment, transition, regulatory, and disciplinary matters.

Tags: eccleston, eccleston law, drive planning

Return to Archive

TESTIMONIALS

Previous
Next
Quotes Bigger

I learned two important things working with ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï. First, I made a friend and ally with Jim and Steph for life. Secondly, and this is a crucial life lesson - if you need counsel, then seek out the very best. Jim was referred to me by a most trusted source. I've never had to hire an attorney for anything. Now, I know the value of hiring an important partner. Meticulous, thorough and detailed in preparation is the best way to describe Jim. Brilliant too, I might add. Bottom line, I would highly highly recommend Jim and Stephany for your legal needs. One of the best life decisions I've ever made.

Howard S.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

1783525964 Law
July 8, 2026
SEC Sanctions David Lerner Associates for Regulation Best Interest Violations

David Lerner Associates has agreed to settle Securities and Exchange (SEC) charges alleging violations of Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI) that resulted in unnecessary costs to retail investors, according to InvestmentNews.

1783434190 Law
July 7, 2026
Private Credit Funds Face Mounting Redemption Pressure as Investor Sentiment Shifts

A surge in investor redemption requests has intensified pressure on private credit funds, raising concerns about liquidity and long-term stability across the asset class, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.

1783357679 Law
July 6, 2026
Schwab Imposes New Limits on Tax-Aware Long-Short Investment Strategies

Charles Schwab Corp.