Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that Jerald Clawson of Orlando has been charged with orchestrating a $5.3 million Ponzi scheme that defrauded at least 10 victims. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested Clawson in Orange County on August 28, 2025.
“This serial con-artist exploited the trust of hardworking Floridians to line his pockets. At 74 years old, he is still preying on victims without remorse,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Let this be a warning: no matter your age or history, if you exploit Floridians, we will find you, and we will bring you to justice.”
The investigation, called “Investment Blues,” involved cooperation between the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Office of Financial Regulation, and the Office of Statewide Prosecution.
According to investigators, Clawson used various tactics to convince multiple people to invest in what he described as real estate hard money loans or bridge loans. He presented himself as an investment broker for Azure Waterfront Consulting, LLC and was supported by Azure Waterfront (Real Estate), LLC through a Fee-note Program. Victims reported being promised returns ranging from 100% to 300% on their investments.
When the loan deadlines passed without payment, Clawson continued to assure investors they would be paid even though months had gone by without any returns. Most victims suffered financial losses after transferring funds from their bank accounts directly to Clawson.
Clawson faces several felony charges: scheme to defraud greater than $50,000 and unlawful sale of fraudulent securities involving more than five victims and amounts over $50,000. Each charge carries a possible sentence of up to 30 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
The case remains under investigation and will be prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution.
