An Elkhart man has been accused of committing fraud against four people, and then planning to murder them.

Investigators say Charles Ray Smith stole at least 320 thousand dollars from the victims, leading them to believe they could expect millions in return for investments such as cancer treatments or commercial property.

ABC 57 reports that instead, FBI officers say Smith used the money to put a down payment on a house and may have made arrangements to have his fraud victims killed. None of them saw any return on their investments.

Smith was in court on Monday on charges of federal wire fraud. If convicted he could face up to 20 years in prison, plus fines and restitution.