Florida man accused of stealing at least $180K from 4 in Illinois

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A Florida man has been indicted after being accused of stealing at least $180,000 from four people in Illinois.

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.

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Kekoa pleaded not guilty to wire fraud Tuesday in Chicago.

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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.