A high-profile financial fraud case is drawing to a close after Kris Roglieri, CEO of Prime Capital Ventures, pleaded guilty to a years-long wire fraud conspiracy that defrauded clients out of tens of millions of dollars.
Federal prosecutors say Roglieri, 45, of Queensbury, New York, orchestrated a scheme between mid-2022 and early 2024 that falsely promised large commercial loans to businesses in exchange for upfront payments. In reality, those loans never existed, and the funds were used to repay earlier victims or bankroll Roglieri’s extravagant lifestyle.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York, Roglieri spent the stolen money on private jet travel, luxury cars, rare watches—including Rolex and Richard Mille timepieces—and even a mansion in Virginia Beach. He promoted Prime Capital Ventures as a legitimate commercial lending firm, convincing victims that their payments would be refunded if loans didn’t go through. They never were.
Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III called Roglieri’s conduct “brazen,” adding that he “flaunted the proceeds of his scheme” while piling lie upon lie to keep it going.
Two co-conspirators also plead guilty
Two others—Kimberly Owen (a.k.a. Kimberly “Kimmy” Humphrey), 41, and her brother Christopher Snyder, 45, both of Virginia Beach—have also pleaded guilty to participating in the conspiracy. They admitted to working alongside Roglieri to deceive clients and funnel money through the sham business.
Owen is set to be sentenced on January 15, 2026. Snyder will be sentenced the day after, on January 16.
What happens next
Roglieri was arrested on May 31, 2024, and remains in custody. He is scheduled for sentencing on March 11, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino. He faces up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.
As part of his plea agreement, Roglieri has agreed to forfeit more than $55 million, along with a dozen luxury vehicles, high-end watches, and the Virginia mansion—all acquired through proceeds of the fraud. He will also be required to pay restitution to the victims.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig Tremaroli said Roglieri’s deception was “staggering,” adding, “He built his lavish lifestyle on the backs of hardworking Americans.”
The FBI led the investigation, and the case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua R. Rosenthal.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].