Investigators say Makaio' Kekoa, 39, of Wimauma, Florida ran a fraudulent investment scheme, using the money for gambling and other personal expenses from 2019 to 2022.
Kekoa pleaded not guilty to wire fraud Tuesday in Chicago.
SEE ALSO: Suspects following SUV in West Englewood fire shots, injuring 11-year-old boy and 2 men inside: CPD
Each count of wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois said in a news release Monday.
Kekoa is expected back in court next month.