Company Promising Eco-Revolution in Sequatchie County, Now Called Ponzi Operation

     Two months ago, we told you about a bio-refinery plant coming to Sequatchie county.
     It promised new jobs and a better environment.
     But now the federal government says that some life savings were wiped out to pay for that dream.

Amanda Knorr\Mantria Corp. (From August)

"We're actually starting the eco-revolution and it's right here in Dunlap, Tennessee."

     That was the promise back in August from the Mantria Corporation.
     But yesterday, Amanda Knorr and other company officials were charged in a Denver courtroom with running a ponzi scheme.
     The Securities and Exchange Commission says mantria and another company of raising more than 111 million dollars in a variety of secruities fraud schemes.
     The indictment claims they targeted the elderly and thos nearing retirement.
     One of the pitches was the "carbon negative housing community they pitched to build on Fredonia mountain.
     But prosecutors say the investments actually went to pay off earlier investors.