Ohio man who claimed to be African prince convicted of several fraud crimes

Daryl Robert Harrison, also known as Prince Daryl R. Attipoe and Prophet Daryl R. Attipoe, 44, defrauded at least 14 victims of more than $800,000. He was convicted of mail and wire fraud, conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, and witness tampering.

The verdict was announced at 9pm on Sept. 16 following a trial that began on Sept. 5 before U.S. District Judge Michael J. Newman.

According to court documents and trial testimony, from January 2014 until September 2020, Harrison defrauded victims who thought they were investing in African trucking and mining companies.

Harrison -- falsely holding himself out to be a royal prince from the African national of Ghana -- told investors he had direct connections with these companies, and that they could expect an investment return of 28 to 33 percent.

Harrison and his stepfather claimed to be ministers with Power House of Prayer Ministries, which sponsored religious services in various church facilities and private residences throughout the Greater Dayton area, Southwestern Ohio area and Parker, Colorado. Many investor victims were members of the congregation.

Harrison routinely withdrew thousands of dollars in cash from the Ministries bank accounts shortly after receiving investments. Harrison and his stepfather used the investment funds to rent a house in Colorado, purchase luxury vehicles, airplane tickets, hotel accommodations and rental cars.

The defendant was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2020.

Harrison will be sentenced at a future sentencing hearing. He faces up to 20 years in prison. Congress sets the maximum statutory sentence. Sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Jaime Carazo, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Secret Service, announced the verdict. Assistant United States Attorneys Dwight K. Keller and Ryan A. Saunders are representing the United States in this case.

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Updated September 19, 2022