Richard Motarjeme has been accused of defrauding investors in two Stapleton businesses: The Bistro and The Wine Cellar, The Bottle Shop at Stapleton.
Motarjeme, 51, has been charged with 15 counts of securities fraud, two counts of forgery and two counts of theft, according to a press release from the Denver District Attorney's Office. He does not own either business.
An indictment handed down last week alleges that he was using investors' money for his personal expenses and failed to tell them he has a criminal record.
Restaurant investors lost a total of $405,000. Investors in the wine shop lost a combined $75,000.
Motarjeme was released from custody on $20,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in court Oct. 13.
