Andrea M. Trgovcich, 50, of Youngstown, and Bertrand J. Gray, aka Bert Gray, 52, of Cleveland, are facing federal charges after allegedly swindling investors out of $578,859 through a sham wellness tech venture. A federal grand jury returned the indictment, charging both with securities fraud and bank fraud, according to U.S. Attorney Carole S. Rendon and FBI Cleveland’s Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony.
The scheme centered on Wellness Integrated Network LLC (WIN), a company Trgovcich pitched as a revolutionary software platform designed to integrate diet, fitness, and health monitoring tools into corporate wellness and insurance programs. Investors were promised their funds would develop and market the app. Instead, Trgovcich allegedly funneled much of the money into personal expenses. No software was ever built or sold.
Gray, who joined WIN as chief financial officer in 2012, is accused of using false documents and misleading statements to solicit investor funds. Prosecutors say he helped maintain the illusion of legitimacy while the venture collapsed under fraudulent operations. His role amplified the reach and damage of the scam, drawing in more victims under false pretenses.
Trgovcich faces six additional counts of bank fraud, accused of withdrawing investor funds from federally-insured banks under false pretenses. The indictment details how investor money was routed and withdrawn without legitimate business justification, leaving no trace of actual product development or corporate activity tied to WIN’s supposed mission.
The investigation was led by the FBI’s Youngstown Resident Agency, with the case being presented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys James V. Moroney and Carmen Henderson. Authorities stress the importance of vigilance in emerging tech ventures, particularly those promising high returns with little transparency.
An indictment is not a conviction. Trgovcich and Gray are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If convicted, sentencing will be determined by the court, factoring in each defendant’s role, criminal history, and the nature of the offenses. Statutory maximums apply, though actual sentences may be lower.
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Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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