(SOUTH BEND) – A Goshen man has been charged in connection with an investment fraud scheme.

U.S. Attorney Thomas Kirsch II of the Northern District of Indiana says 40 year old Earl D. Miller was indicted on six counts of wire fraud; 1 count of security fraud and 1 count of bankruptcy fraud.

According to the documents in the case, it's alleged Miller, a former real estate investor, began raising money for a new private investment firm named “5 Star Capital” in 2012. He began recruiting predominately novice investors, including members of the Amish Community, for investment opportunities with 5 Star Capital, 5 Star Commercial and other real estate entities.

Miller allegedly solicited funds to invest in green energy saving products that would save the American consumer hundreds of dollars each year. It's also alleged from June 2014 to August 2015, Miller raised at least $4.3 million from at least 70 investors through lies. He falsely told investors he would not get paid anything for managing their funds when he really misappropriated over $1 million from 5 Star Commercial investors for his personal use, including to pay off a former business partner.

In addition, Miller also did not own “green product” patents and performed virtually no due diligence into the purported “green” companies before placing his investors' assets.