United States of America v. Kenneth Bardwell

Detroit, Michigan, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with obtaining millions of dollars in investment funds based on false pretenses.

Digested by: Kent Morlan

Kenneth Bardwell, 66, of West Bloomfield, was the operator of a company called “Motown Sports Group Holdings, Inc.” and several related business entities. Through these entities, Bardwell has solicited and obtained millions of dollars from investors for a project involving the purported development of a multi-billion dollar sports and entertainment complex in Romulus, Michigan. Bardwell represented to investors that their money would be used to purchase land and develop the project, but if the land could not be purchased, the money would be returned to investors from an escrow account. According to the complaint, Bardwell has made almost no effort towards the purchase of the land to develop the project. He instead spent most of the investor funds on gentlemen’s clubs, luxury retail goods, rental cars, and lifestyle expenses for himself and his associates.

A complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Trial cannot be held on felony charges in a complaint. When the investigation is complete, a determination will be made whether to seek a felony indictment.