Windermere couple accused of wire fraud arrested in New York City

NEW YORK — Federal authorities announced Monday the arrest of a Windermere couple accused of wire fraud.

Prosecutors said Michael and Kim Rivers ripped off investors for three years.

Federal court records show Michael Rivers was ordered last year to pay a $130,000 civil penalty, and he was forced to give up almost a half-million dollars in profits as ill-gotten gains involving another company, Arkr Trust LLC.

Federal prosecutors said in the new case, involving the company Global Business Genesis, LLC, the couple funneled investors' money into their personal bank account and used it for limousine rental, a deposit on a luxury car, event tickets and expensive dinners.

Property records show Kim Rivers to be the owner of a nearly $2 million, 5,700-square-foot residence in Keene's Point in Windermere.

The feds said they arrested the couple at JFK Airport in New York on Saturday. Authorities said they were headed to London, but they’ll soon be back in central Florida to face the federal wire charges.

If convicted, the couple could face up to 20 years in prison.

WFTV