Father of Danbury Teen Club Owner Accused of Running Ponzi Scheme Speaks Out

The father of the Danbury teen club owner accused of running a Ponzi scheme and defrauding more than 15 investors out of nearly $500,000 is speaking out in support of his son.

Ian Bick, 19, is the owner of Tuxedo Junction, a teen night club on Ives Street in Danbury.

Michael Bick, owner of Some Things Fishy Catering and former owner of Bick’s Burgers, spoke with Patch about his son’s case.

Since Ian Bick’s arrest, many have spoken negatively about his son online and on social media, the father said.

“I have no control over what people say on social media. I believe my son will be found innocent. There is a lot of sensationalism. It is very upsetting to see this,” the elder Bick said.

According to the IRS, Ian Bick has been charged with 11 counts of wire fraud, making a false statement, and three counts of money laundering stemming from allegations that he ran a Ponzi scheme. He was arrested on Jan. 9, 2015.

Prosecuters allege Ian Bick defrauded more than 15 investors out of nearly $500,000. The indictment alleges that he falsely told investors he could generate high investment returns by using their money to organize and promote concerts in Connecticut and Rhode Island.

According to a release by the IRS Criminal Investigation Department, it is alleged that Bick entered into various investment contracts, including “Loan Agreements” and “Music Venture Participation Agreements,” with his alleged victims.

Michael Bick praised his son for putting his “blood, sweat and tears” into the renovations at the night club and said his son will continue his dream.

“I marvel at what he has been able to do. As an adult I can’t get people to give me that kind of money. This is his dream. He got the renovations done on a shoestring budget and a limited amount of money,” Michael Bick stated.

Ian Bick told Patch he felt he was being unfairly targeted by police with the number of times they have raided and come in undercover to his club. His father agreed.

“It is unusual for them to come in as much as they do. The overtime pay is astronomical.”

While he could not comment specifically on the case, Michael Bick wants the public to know that “despite all (his son) has been through and all of the bad press, Ian has a lot of support and he is working very hard.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” Ian said. “I want to prove everyone wrong. I have lost a lot of relationships and friends and if this doesn’t succeed then it’s all for nothing.”

Bick told Patch that he cannot comment any further on the case and that his attorney, Jonathan Einhorn is handling all legal issues and comments.

Ian Bick is due in Superior Court, Danbury on Jan. 26 for a pre-trial hearing on charges of second-degree criminal mischief, violation of juice bar requirements, and illegal disposal of liquor without a permit.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. McGarry and has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in Bridgeport.

Anyone with information regarding the investigation are encouraged to contact the FBI at (203) 777-6311.

Photo: Ian Bick/Facebook

Read more:

• Teen Nightclub Owner Ian Bick Faces Allegations by IRS, FBI of Running Ponzi Scheme
• Teen Charged by Feds with Running Ponzi Scheme Says Tuxedo Junction Will Go On
• $5K Reward Offered for Hit-and-Run Driver Who Killed Young Mom
• Real Housewives of New Jersey Star Reports to Danbury Prison
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