David Bradford Pleads Guilty to Drive Planning LLC Ponzi Scheme Fraud

What the David Bradford Guilty Plea Reveals About the CORE Fund Pitch

The former Chief Operating Officer of Drive Planning LLC helped launch and grow the CORE Fund by promising steady, above-market returns and safety that did not exist. Investors were told the strategy was secure, fully collateralized, and connected to government-backed real estate. From late 2021 to June 2024, at least $4.1 million flowed into the program before the FBI and the SEC uncovered the truth.

U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg stressed that Bradford betrayed the trust of clients, family, and friends. Even after the SEC began investigating the firm in approximately March 2024, Bradford and others continued to solicit investments for the CORE Fund. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex R. Sistla is leading the prosecution in the Northern District of Georgia.

Important Points About the CORE Fund Operation

• Sentencing Date: Sentencing for David Bradford is set for March 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., before U.S. District Judge Tiffany R. Johnson.
• False Collateral Claims: Marketing materials claimed the CORE Fund was “government-protected” and “fully collateralized”.
• Misuse of Funds: Capital was bankrolled into personal expenses and payouts to previous investors instead of real estate investments.
• Zero Investment Post-2022: Drive Planning reportedly did not invest any funds into the CORE Fund after December 9, 2022.

Investor Impact, Red Flags, and Oversight in the Drive Planning LLC Scheme

Unrealistic yields and a false sense of safety obscured risks while money from new participants covered old obligations. The pattern is textbook: investor capital was diverted to personal expenses, commissions, and earlier payouts instead of generating real returns. Financial professionals must honor duties designed to prevent this kind of harm, yet Bradford continued soliciting funds during an active regulatory review.

When marketing claims depart from industry standards, losses tend to follow. FBI Atlanta’s Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown noted that the agency is aggressively pursuing fraud to ensure “crime does not pay”. However, enforcement actions and criminal cases do not guarantee full recovery for every investor.

Charges, Penalties, and the David Bradford Wire Fraud Case

The plea concerns conspiracy to commit wire fraud tied to the CORE Fund. David Bradford, 53, of Peachtree Corners, Georgia, faces potential prison time, restitution, and forfeiture. While the CORE Fund gathered $4.1 million, regulators allege the wider Drive Planning operation was much larger.

Regulators Expand the Drive Planning LLC Investigation to a $300 Million Scheme

Regulatory pressure grew as the probe advanced beyond the CORE Fund. On December 19, 2025, the SEC charged Bradford and Gerardo L. Linarducci—the former Managing Partner and head of the Indiana branch—for their roles in an alleged $300 million Ponzi scheme.

This broader scheme involved the “Real Estate Acceleration Loans” or “REAL” program. The SEC previously obtained a preliminary injunction and asset freeze in August 2024 against Drive Planning and its founder and CEO, Russell Todd Burkhalter.

Key Allegations in the Extended $300 Million Investigation

• Massive Fundraising: Bradford personally raised over $35 million and his team raised more than $100 million in investor funds.
• Linarducci’s Role: Gerardo Linarducci raised over $13 million personally, while his Indiana-based sales team gathered more than $30 million.
• Deceptive Guarantees: Promoters falsely told investors that a 10% rate of return was guaranteed and funded by real estate profit-sharing agreements.
• SEC Sanctions: The SEC is seeking permanent injunctions, civil penalties, and the disgorgement of ill-gotten gains with interest.

How Victims of the Drive Planning LLC Ponzi Scheme Can Seek Recovery

Victims can take structured steps to preserve claims and pursue compensation. Criminal proceedings and arbitration against entities that failed to supervise these representatives have strict deadlines that can affect eligibility for recovery.

• Gather Documentation: Organize account statements, marketing brochures for the CORE Fund or REAL program, and any emails from Bradford, Linarducci, or Burkhalter.
• Consult Experienced Counsel: Speak with attorneys specialized in Ponzi scheme recovery and securities fraud to evaluate claims for negligence or supervisory failures.
• Evaluate Restitution Avenues: Track the criminal sentencing scheduled for March 2026 and the SEC’s civil enforcement actions to determine how recovered funds may be distributed.
• Consider Arbitration: If your investment was recommended by a registered financial professional who failed to disclose risks, you may be able to pursue recovery through arbitration.

Meyer Wilson Werning Supports Investors Affected by David Bradford

The collapse of Drive Planning LLC programs shows how easily trust can be abused when advisors prioritize commissions over client well-being. If you are struggling with losses from this scheme, you are not alone. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation with Meyer Wilson Werning to evaluate whether you have grounds for an arbitration claim or other legal recovery.

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