Federal prosecutors say Philadelphia real estate agent Jonathan Barach defrauded investors out of about $1.5 million. Read more Jeff Chiu / AP

by Chris Palmer Published Aug. 22, 2025, 3:42 p.m. ET

A Philadelphia real estate agent defrauded investors of about $1.5 million by saying he would use their money for projects that could deliver lucrative returns but instead spent the funds to gamble and buy jewelry and tickets to sporting events, federal authorities said Friday.

Jonathan Barach faces charges of wire fraud and making an illegal monetary transaction. He was charged by information, which typically indicates a person intends to plead guilty.

Barach’s attorney, William M. McSwain — the region’s former U.S. attorney — said Barach “has taken full responsibility for his act

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