Ep 15. The Sky's the Limit

In season 9, episode 15 of American Greed, titled "The Sky's the Limit," viewers are introduced to a high-flying con artist who uses his charm and charisma to swindle millions of dollars from unsuspecting victims. The episode begins by detailing how Jeffrey Bertrand, a self-proclaimed aviation consultant, managed to dupe wealthy investors into giving him money for a project that never really existed.

Bertrand's elaborate scheme involved convincing investors that he was working with major airlines to develop a new technology that would revolutionize the aviation industry. He claimed that his company, Aviation Partners, had developed a system that would reduce fuel costs and increase efficiency, making airlines more profitable than ever before. He also promised investors that they would receive a substantial return on their investment once the technology was implemented.

Despite having no actual experience in the aviation industry, Bertrand was able to convince investors that he knew what he was doing. He had a persuasive personality and a gift for salesmanship that allowed him to talk his way into the wallets of some of the wealthiest people in the country. He even managed to get the attention of high-profile celebrities like former basketball star Magic Johnson, who became one of Aviation Partners' biggest investors.

But as the episode unfolds, it becomes clear that Bertrand's promises were all smoke and mirrors. The technology he claimed to have developed never existed, and the money he received from investors was simply used to fund his lavish lifestyle. He bought expensive cars, leased private jets, and hosted extravagant parties, all while investors were left holding the bag.

As Bertrand's scheme began to unravel, he continued to deny any wrongdoing. He insisted that the technology was still in development and that investors would eventually see a return on their investment. But as the evidence piled up against him, Bertrand was eventually charged with wire fraud and sentenced to 15 years in prison.

"The Sky's the Limit" is a cautionary tale about the dangers of trusting too much in the promises of charismatic con artists. It's a reminder that greed can blind even the savviest investors and that the pursuit of wealth can sometimes lead to devastating consequences. But it's also a testament to the perseverance of law enforcement officials who work tirelessly to bring white-collar criminals to justice.