New Jersey Woman Convicted of Investment Fraud

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A New Jersey woman pled guilty today to an investment scheme in which victims from West Virginia and elsewhere lost more than $300,000.

United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced that Diana Mae Fernandez, age 38, of Bergenfield, New Jersey, admitted to wire fraud.

According to court documents, Fernandez, also known as “Diana Fernandez Koporan,” “Dana Fernandez,” and “Dajana Ko,” operated purported investment firms known as “The Self Made Success” and “Diana Mae K., LLC.” Fernandez used social media and email to solicit investors, claiming she offered “no-risk” and “guaranteed” investment opportunities. Multiple victims, including a victim from Marion County in West Virginia, were defrauded of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Fernandez used the money she stole for her personal benefit and made false claims about why returns on investments could not be provided to her clients.

“We should always approach investment opportunities that promise high returns and no risk with skepticism,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “One way to protect yourself before investing is to use the FINRA BrokerCheck, a valuable tool that’s free and allows you to research the background and experience of financial brokers, advisers, and firms.”

Fernandez faces up to 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

The FBI investigated the case.

U.S. Magistrate James P. Mazzone presided.

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