- Five-Year Prison Sentence: Financial advisor Jesse Hill has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for his role in a massive bank fraud scheme.
- Massive Financial Loss: The conspiracy defrauded nearly 20 banks out of $45 million, resulting in over $30 million in actual losses, making it one of the largest bank frauds in Nebraska’s history.
- A Shocking Betrayal: The judge highlighted the stark contrast between Hill’s crimes and his public reputation as a devout Christian, family man, and Sunday school teacher, calling his actions “deliberate and calculated.”
- Accomplice’s Demise: The scheme unraveled following the death of Hill’s business partner, Aaron Marshbanks, who died of a drug overdose in late 2022.
Trusted Advisor’s Downfall in Multi-Million Dollar Scam
A Nebraska financial advisor, once seen as a pillar of his community, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for orchestrating a colossal $45 million bank fraud. Jesse Hill, 35, was a key figure in the scheme that duped almost 20 financial institutions and left a trail of over $30 million in losses.
During the sentencing, U.S. District Judge Susan Bazis condemned Hill’s actions, stating they were not a simple mistake but a “deliberate and calculated” crime. “You, Mr. Hill, were an integral part of that scheme,” Bazis said. “This particular offense would not have been possible without you.”
The Two Faces of Jesse Hill
The courtroom was filled with supporters from Hill’s church, where he served as a board member and Sunday school teacher. However, the judge noted that his criminal conduct was the “exact polar opposite” of the wholesome image portrayed in over 50 letters seeking leniency. The court heard how Hill conspired with Lincoln businessman Aaron Marshbanks, providing fraudulent financial statements to secure millions in loans under the guise of real estate ventures.
Where Did the Money Go?
Instead of funding property deals, the loans were used to cover catastrophic investment losses from a “highly aggressive options trading strategy” that Hill himself had initiated. The borrowed funds were also used to make payments on previous loans, creating a classic pyramid-style debt spiral. The scheme began to collapse when Marshbanks, a former star athlete, was found dead of a drug overdose in a Lincoln parking garage in November 2022.
A History of Deception
This was not Hill’s first encounter with regulators. In 2018, he was fined $7,500 by the Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance for failing to register as an investment advisor. He was ordered at the time to refund millions to investors from a separate pooled fund.
Apology and Forfeiture
In a lengthy statement, Hill apologized to his family and community. “I was severely lacking in humility, in my own life and heart,” he said, admitting he “didn’t have the courage to challenge” his deteriorating partner. As part of a plea deal, Hill has forfeited significant assets, including a $900,000 villa in Puerto Rico and his interest in a multi-million dollar airplane. Meanwhile, a court-appointed receiver continues the process of recovering assets to repay the defrauded banks.
Image Referance: https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/30/financial-advisor-who-conspired-in-multi-million-dollar-bank-fraud-sentenced-to-prison/