Charges were dropped this morning for the fourth defendant in the multimillion dollar fraud and conspiracy case against Gold Country Lenders and Associates. Deputy Attorney General Maggy Krell made a quick statement to the court that Jon Blinder was cooperating with the Attorney General’s Office and as such, in the interest of justice,  she was dismissing the charges against Mr. Blinder. Immediately following the decision Jon Blinder shared these comments.
Click here to listen to Jon Blinder

Jon Blinder had been charged with four felony counts of securities fraud.
Blinder’s main interest at this time is to return to business as usual.
Click here to listen to Jon Blinder

Jon Blinder had resigned his position as Executive Director with the Nevada County Economic Resource Council when charges were brought against him. Though he will not return to that position, he may rejoin one of its committees.

Only two defendants remain in the securities fraud, conspiracy and elder abuse case that claims the defendants allegedly operated a Ponzi scheme that bilked dozens of investors of over $2.3 million dollars.
The trial against Gold County Lenders CEO Phil Lester and his sister Susan Laferte who have been charged with 66 felony counts of elder abuse, securities fraud and conspiracy continues to move forward. Charges against Ellen Lester, Phil Lester’s wife, had been dropped earlier in the proceedings.

Jon Blinder’s Official Statement:

“I am pleased that I can finally put this ordeal behind me. To those who have supported me and believed in me through this time, I am extraordinarily grateful. To those who don’t personally know me, but heard about the charges, I hope this helps puts some of their questions to rest.

I hold no hard feelings and am grateful the judicial process worked for me; and, it is my intention to move forward, get back to selling commercial and residential real estate, helping to build this community and continue participating in supporting the Arts.”