Jon Tevlin: Prosecutor in Petters case is a 'pint-sized Elliot Ness'

Joe Dixon

A couple of days after he'd won the biggest case of his career against Tom Petters, and the largest fraud case in state history, I met Joe Dixon, assistant U.S. attorney, for coffee and asked him how he was doing.

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More from this series:

• St. Ben's renames building named for Petters' parents
  College of St. Benedict sheds Petters name on auditorium
• Star Tribune pulls 'Stop the Petters Scam' ads
  The Star Tribune has pulled an unusual series of ads that a group calling itself the Stop the Petters Scam Foundation has been running in the newspaper.
• Hard time not likely to be easy on Petters
  Like Bernie Madoff, the Twin Cities businessman will likely end up in a medium-security prison.
• Petters can appeal, but success is a long shot
  Lawyers for Tom Petters are almost certain to seek reversal or a new trial, but experts see daunting appellate challenges.
• Potential bidder circling Sun Country Airlines
  The bankrupt carrier is part of what was the business empire of Tom Petters, who was convicted Wednesday of 20 fraud-related charges.
• James Lileks: Why I can't get worked into a rage over Petters
  Are you mad at Tom Petters? Bored? Sympathetic?
• Trail of tapes, betrayal led to guilty verdict
  On all 20 counts, the jurors rejected Tom Petters’ claims of innocence. The verdict laid bare his mighty business empire as a $3.65 billion Ponzi scheme.
• Petters juror's comments
  NewsBreak's Aimee Blanchette reports from the courthouse where Tom Petters was found guilty. A juror talks about how they determined his guilt.
• E-mails convinced jurors of his role in 'big scheme'
  Juror: "We wanted to make sure that Mr. Petters got a fair trial."
• Fraud victims wonder what can be salvaged
  The verdict brought elation and anticipation of lawsuits ahead.
• Photo gallery: Tom Petters found guilty
  Tom Petters found guilty on 20 counts in his $3.65 billion Ponzi scheme trial, Wednesday night.
• Petters trial: Lawyer's comments
  NewsBreak's Aimee Blanchette reports live from the courthouse where Tom Petters was found guilty of all 20 felony counts in his fraud trial. The prosecution spoke about the verdict.
• Petters trial; Reporter's comments
  Star Tribune reporter David Phelps, who has covered the Petters story from the beginning, speak about the verdict.
• Charges, maximum penalties
  Tom Petters was found guilty of all 20 counts against him. Here are the charges and maximum penalties.
• PDF: Petters verdict form
  
• The words of Tom Petters' co-conspirators
  "He needed to convince some people that he had properly spent some money and he needed my help to save his neck. I came up with some phony bank statements to make it look like money was spent the way it was supposed to."
• Petters timeline
  Born: Thomas J. Petters, July 11, 1957
• Petters jurors still working to decide case after 4 days
  Jurors still mulling the fraud charges against Tom Petters.
• Petters jury resumes deliberations
  Jurors continue weighing the evidence in the Petters trial.
• No verdict; Petters jury to resume deliberations Monday
  The seven-woman, five-man panel spent its second day sorting through evidence submitted by prosecutors and defense attorneys in connection with the 20-count indictment.
• Verdict? Petters jurors back at it today
  Deliberations began on whether Tom Petters bilked billions from investors.
• Going after Petters online
  As a disgruntled investor files a suit in Chicago related to the alleged Ponzi scheme, a foundation starts a website.
• Petters: Lawyers get last words Monday
  This largest fraud trial in the history of Minnesota wrapped up testimony today with defendant Tom Petters laying the blame for the mammoth Ponzi scheme squarely on the shoulders of the woman who reported his alleged crimes to authorities.
• Prosecutor jabs, Petters takes to ropes
  In the main event of Tom Petters' fraud trial, the defendant mostly bobbed and weaved as the prosecutor went bare knuckles.
• Petters takes the stand, apologizes
  Petters apologizes for losses, but denies running a Ponzi scheme.
• Moguls tell how they were fooled
  Irwin Jacobs and Ted Deikel say Tom Petters pleaded poverty, delayed paying loans and sought fake invoices.
• Retired widow fears losing her home
  Janet Leck, testifying in the federal fraud trial of Wayzata businessman Tom Petters, said that she's on the verge of losing her Edina home after she invested $190,000 in the Petters operation.
• Accountant: Petters execs misused investor cash
  After government raids, a worried investor said that Tom Petters told him, "Everything would be fine."
• Witness details activities, deals with Petters
  Jurors in Tom Petters' trial listened to a secret tape of the defendant after hearing testimony from an associate with deep criminal background.
• Petters investors may see 'clawbacks'
  Those who made millions before Wayzata businessman Tom Petters' businesses collapsed will likely face court efforts to take back that money.
• Petters' pal: I lost $26M, best friend
  Twin Cities restaurateur Dean Vlahos painted a trail of deception and betrayal by Wayzata businessman Tom Petters after their close personal relationship went disastrously wrong, financially, for both men.
• 'Petters: 'It's not just me who knew'
  In a tape played for the jury, Tom Petters says he and his associates committed a fraud.
• Jon Tevlin: Ponzi, Petters: It's the story of our times
  A snapshot of a decade on display in a dark paneled federal court house.
• Petters feared mob hit
  Whistle-blower Deanna Coleman tells jury she saw no sign that his life was in danger.
• Robert Sabes has long history in Minneapolis
  Tom Petters' taped accusations about Robert and Jon Sabes, played in court Tuesday, are not the Sabes family's first brush with controversy. Robert W. Sabes, 69, lives in Las Vegas now. But his many years in gaming, restaurants and the investment business in the Twin Cities earned him considerable wealth and standing as a philanthropist -- as well as the occasional headline.
• Petters trial: Betrayed trust, hidden recorders
  The intimate who told the feds about Tom Petters' business deals described the alleged fraud in court.
• Friday: Petters pressed for quick deals, investor testifies
  An Interlachen Capital investment manager says the Wayzata businessman also thwarted efforts to investigate inventories.
• Witnesses saw signs of fraud in 2000
  With a subsidiary struggling to repay debt, Tom Petters wrote checks that bounced, GE exec Jack Marrone testified.
• Businessman Tom Petters: Thief or victim?
  The fraud trial of businessman Tom Petters was off to a quick start as a jury was seated and opening statements finished.
• It's time for jury to decide which face of Petters is the real one
  "Snake in suits:" Petters jurors take first steps behind the Ponzi scheming.
• Tom Petters finally to face federal jury
  Starting Wednesday, federal prosecutors attempt to build a fraud, conspiracy and money-laundering case against the Wayzata businessman before a 16-member jury in St. Paul.
• Petters jury selection postponed again
  It's now set to begin Wednesday; the judge didn't explain the delay.
• Petters fraud trial delayed; jury selection to begin Monday
  A federal judge overseeing the pending trial of Wayzata businessman Tom Petters on allegations that he orchestrated a multibillion-dollar Ponzi scheme has delayed jury selection until Monday because of unspecified scheduling issues.
• Government: Desperate Petters was 'full of shame'
  U.S. outlines its case against Tom Petters as his trial on fraud and money laundering charges nears.
• Petters case: Hedge fund manager pleads guilty
  Gregory Bell admitted aiding deceitful transactions between his firm and Petters'. He could face a term of up to 20 years.
• A long year for Tom Petters' many victims
  Legal and financial experts continue to sift through wreckage as the Wayzata businessman's trial nears.
• Faith community counts losses in Petters investments
  Charities struggle to recover from losses related to the alleged Ponzi scheme.
• Petters provenance helps his wine cellar sell high
  Forget about Two-Buck Chuck. The latest wine bargain is Twelve-Buck Tom -- as in Petters.
• Is Tom Petters the victim of fraud?
  Minnesota businessman Tom Petters, awaiting trial on charges he ran a $3.5 billion Ponzi scheme, is now trying to get his case dismissed, claiming that during its investigation of him, the government hid the true identity of Larry Reynolds, an alleged co-conspirator who has pleaded guilty to money laundering in the case.
• Petters' woes haven't stopped his charity group
  Separate from the businessman's fallen empire, the John T. Petters Foundation still awards scholarships -- it just keeps a lower profile.
• Illinois investment firm exec admits to Petters-case charge
  Executive with ties to Petters pleads guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
• Petters scam: Hedge fund exec charged
  Federal prosecutors have charged a top accounting executive at an Illinois investment firm for helping to defraud investors connected to Wayzata businessman Tom Petters.
• Judge keeps fund manager in Petters case jailed
  Prosecutors had asserted that $15 million in a Swiss bank makes Gregory Bell a flight risk.
• Financier in Petters case free on bail
  The Illinois hedge fund manager, accused of being involved with Tom Petters, will wear an electronic monitor.
• Petters seeks delay in fraud trial
  The arrest of an Illinois financier was given as a reason for putting off the trial until November.
• Petters investor in Illinois charged in fraud
  The Securities and Exchange Commission on Friday accused Illinois financier Greg Bell and his company, Lancelot Investment Management, with fraud.
• Judge OKs sale of Petters' beachside home in Florida
  U.S. attorneys got the go-ahead Wednesday to sell Tom Petters' 11,200-square-foot beachside Florida house.
• Newspaper intervenes in Petters case
  The Star Tribune files motions to get dismissal and sanctions motions and materials opened to the public.
• Newspaper intervenes in Petters case
  The Star Tribune files motions to get dismissal and sanctions motions and materials opened to the public.
• Petters' Florida estate sold for $9.5M
  A buyer finally has been found for Tom Petters' six-bedroom, three-level beach home on the Atlantic Ocean near Palm Beach, Fla.
• Redstone Grill trying to dump Petters as shareholder
  Company says future bright, despite talk of default, lagging sales and a threat to its liquor license in New Jersey.
• Judge says bank must wait in Petters case
  A federal judge in Minneapolis on Tuesday rejected efforts by a New York bank to liquidate several of Tom Petters' investment accounts to settle $3.8 million in debts to the bank.
• Chaska firm is moving to former Petters building
  Eric Wieffering, assistant managing editor/business • 612-673-4237 • ewieffering@startribune.com
• Bank: We were duped in Petters loan
  VISIONBank sued Minnwest Bank, alleging it wrongfully said that Petters and a business partner had personally guaranteed a loan.
• Audit firm sued over Metro Gem assurances
  The suit claims auditors failed to examine the business dealings of Frank Vennes Jr.'s company.
• J.P. Morgan wants to liquidate Petters assets
  J.P. Morgan says he owes $3.8 million. The receiver in charge of his estate filed court documents ordering the bank to turn over the jailed businessman's assets.
• Polaroid HQ staying in metro, along with most employees
  Now that the sale of Polaroid out of bankruptcy has been closed, the new owners of the former Petters Group Worldwide property said that most current employees will stay on with the company and its affiliates, and the headquarters will stay in the Twin Cities after all.
• Offer made on Petters pal Catain's house in Costa Rica
  What's the value of an ocean-view home set some 50 yards from a beach, with a total of six bedrooms, 6 1/2 baths and a pool in sun-drenched Costa Rica?
• Feds seek control of Tom Petters’ assets
  The jailed businessman had only $54.09 in his bank account on April 20, so the government says it will start taking property.
• Judge refuses to delay sale of Polaroid
  U.S. District Judge James Rosenbaum said the court record shows neither a grossly inadequate price nor taint of fraud.
• Judge again holds Richie away from Petters assets
  A federal judge denied the second attempt by Illinois investor Richie Capital Management to unfreeze certain assets of bankrupt Petters Group Worldwide so that it can recover some of its losses.
• Petters' bid to suppress comments to FBI denied
  A magistrate said Petters volunteered information and wasn't under arrest at the time.
• Polaroid case: Anything but 'instant'
  So far, four federal judges are involved in Polaroid's bankruptcy sale, and the case isn't over yet.
• Polaroid art has price but no place
  Stuck in limbo, for now, is Polaroid's collection of photos taken by some of the biggest names in 20th-century art.
• Polaroid loser vows further legal action
  In a bid for a do-over of a do-over of a do-over, the latest loser in the Polaroid auction vows more legal action.
• Petters creditor tries again to get at assets
  Ritchie Capital says it lent money to a company not tied to the alleged fraud.
• Third time's the charm in Polaroid auction
  A tumultuous auction for Polaroid ended with a St. Paul bankruptcy judge declaring liquidators Hilco Consumer Capital of Toronto and Boston-based Gordon Brothers Brands the winner with a bid of $85.9 million in cash and equity.
• Affidavit: Petters bought Polaroid with Ponzi funds
  An affidavit says that Tom Petters paid for Polaroid Corp. with money routed through the financing entity he allegedly used to defraud investors.
• Judge tells Petters legal team it's not quitting
  In a separate legal proceeding, a bankruptcy judge gave bidders yet another chance to up the ante in their chase to buy bankrupt Polaroid Corp., one of Petters' most valuable companies.
• New bid of $72.6M for Polaroid
  The on-again, off-again auction of Tom Petters' bankrupt Polaroid Corp. goes back on again today, when a bankruptcy judge will decide whether to approve the company's sale for a much improved offer of $72.6 million.
• Top bidders get second try at bankrupt Polaroid
  In response to complaints the bidding was flawed, Judge Gregory Kishel gave two bidders until this afternoon to make new offers for the instant-photo icon.
• Petters' Polaroid auctioned for $59.3 million
  Patriarch Partners' bid is about 14 percent of what Petters paid in 2005. A judge must sort through objections to the deal.
• Tom Petters' lawyers: U.S. blocks fair trial
  They threatened for a second time to withdraw as his counsel on the grounds that federal prosecutors are "meddling" with Petters' right to a fair trial by threatening to cap and "clawback," or recover, fees he pays them.
• Judge rules Polaroid sale may proceed
  Saying "time is money," Judge Gregory Kishel said lenders who sought to halt the sale waited too long.
• Petters' lawyers get most of their fees
  The attorneys defending Wayzata businessman Tom Petters convinced a federal judge that they should be paid for their work -- at least, for most of it.
• Lenders' move could stymie sale of Polaroid
  The sale, according to the lenders, would benefit company insiders. Polaroid is one of the businesses that was held by Tom Petters, who is accused of running a giant Ponzi scheme.
• Ex-husband in Petters case wants seized funds
  An informant's former spouse, Allen Munson, says more than $500,000 of money that the government froze is his.
• Sotheby's to appraise Polaroid art collection
  Polaroid Corp., the bankrupt pioneer of instant photography, won court approval to hire New York auction house Sotheby's to appraise its art collection, including thousands of images by such artists as Ansel Adams.
• Petters' statement comes back to bite
  Prosecutors say "I will bite the bullet if I have to" is a confession, but his attorneys say he wasn't properly told his rights.
• Petters trial to stay in St. Paul for now
  His lawyers say the government's attempt to restrict fees makes a good defense impossible.
• Feds seek to limit legal fees in Petters case
  Prosecutors say they hope to ensure more assets are left for victims by setting restrictions on payments to defense attorneys.
• Third-party suit in Petters fraud case
  A Connecticut woman sues Acorn Capital and Ernst & Young for not ensuring Petters' notes were legitimate.
• Ritchie sues for Polaroid stake
  An Illinois investment fund continues its fight for a piece of the Polaroid Corp. and accuses the Petters trustee of wasting money.
• Judge springs Petters pal Catain from jail
  A federal judge ruled Michael Catain is not a risk to flee the state before he is sentenced for his role in an alleged investment fraud and is not a danger to the community.
• Sketchy profile emerges for key player in Petters probe
  A Los Angeles businessman who laundered money for Tom Petters' alleged Ponzi scheme may be in the government's witness security program.
• Kelley gets OK as trustee for Petters' businesses
  A creditor had opposed the appointment saying the attorney also is the companies' receiver, but that's no conflict, a judge ruled.
• Tom Petters wants trial moved to another state
  His lawyers say publicity and government misbehavior taint the case in Minnesota. He also seeks fewer jail restrictions.
• Lawyers' fees top $1.6 million for two months of Petters case
  A judge delays a decision on Petters-related legal bills, and denies lifestyle expenses for a codefendant awaiting sentencing.
• Petters court documents
  A judge delays a decision on Petters-related legal bills, and denies lifestyle expenses for a codefendant awaiting sentencing.
• Petters' Polaroid gets the OK to be put up for sale
  U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Gregory Kishel has given go-ahead approval for the sale of Polaroid Group, one of the few assets of Petters Group Worldwide with tangible value, with bids to open at $42 million.
• Receiver seeks to deny extra expense items for Petters associate Reynolds
  Sometimes, being a court-appointed receiver requires one to assume the role of Dr. No.
• Assets tied to alleged Petters scam will be sold
  Terms were not disclosed in the sale of apartment complexes that belong to a close associate of Petters.
• Attorney seeks Catain's release from custody
  The Excelsior businessman didn't mean to break the law by taking money in violation of a court order, the lawyer wrote.
• Bloomington firm sued over Petters and Madoff
  McGladrey & Pullen has been sued in relation to the $50 billion fraud case against Bernard L. Madoff and the $3.5 billion fraud scheme allegedly run by Wayzata's Tom Petters.
• Opening bid for Petters' Polaroid: $42 million
  Polaroid, thrust into bankruptcy in the wake of the fraud investigation involving owner Tom Petters, has entered into a "stalking horse" agreement to sell itself for $42 million to a Delaware firm.
• Petters associate ordered to jail
  Michael Catain was locked up after a judge ruled he had spent about $14,000 from a car wash business that was in court receivership.
• Sun Country reports $1 million profit
  A change in its business model and more charter flying brought black ink. The carrier will add a daily Boston flight.
• Fireworks expected at Petters bankruptcy hearing today
  Attorneys expect fireworks at Tuesday's bankruptcy hearing as an investment group tries to block the companies' trustee.
• Vlahos: Petters owes us $16 million
  The owner of Redstone American Grill and his wife claim they're among the alleged scam's largest individual victims.
• Prosecutors say Petters should not be let out of jail
  They assert that a report to the judge confirms the need for custody not only for the fraud suspect but an associate as well.
• Petters, 2 others accused of hiding or diverting assets
  A new filing says Tom Petters and two associates evaded a court-ordered freeze of their money and property.
• Petters again seeks release on bail
  Tom Petters, 0 for 2, makes another pitch to be released on bond. His lawyers say there's no evidence he might flee the country.
• Polaroid's adviser is in a good position
  If a bankruptcy judge approves, Houlihan Lokey will make money no matter what road its client may take.
• Tom Petters' ritzy rides losing value
  When the court-appointed receivers began confiscating property from those charged or associated with Minnesota businessman Tom Petters, they found that the group shared something in common with the queen of England, Ralph Lauren and rappers Jay Z and Ludicris.
• Affidavit: Vennes knew of Petters fraud
  Frank Vennes Jr., a Shoreview businessman who recruited investors for Tom Petters, found out something was amiss nine months before authorities moved in. Now they want access to his e-mail.
• Lawyers again to seek release for Petters as trial date is set
  The Wayzata businessman will be headed to court June 9. An attorney cited new evidence in the latest bid to have bail set.
• Petters scheme: Duluth haven imperiled
  A foundation lost funds with which to it hoped to turn a former nursing home near Duluth into a haven for addicts and ex-cons.
• Offer to Petters lawyer sends man to prison
  Petters' case swindler gets nearly three years in prison.
• A glimpse of Petters' lifestyle in court files
  Reports detail costly homes, cars and amenities that the fraud suspect and his cohorts enjoyed.
• Polaroid is latest Petters firm to file Chapter 11
  Polaroid Corp., the venerable consumer company that revolutionized recreational photography more than 50 years ago with the instant camera, on Thursday became the latest entity owned by indicted businessman Tom Petters to seek protection from creditors by filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
• Attorneys in Petters cases seek $1M
  Mounting legal bills raise questions about what will be left for Tom Petters' creditors.
• Deal to buy a judge in Petters case nets a conviction
  Hennepin County jury convicts man of trying to swindle Petters' lawyer. Man claimed to be able to put a judge in Petters' pocket for $250,000.
• Receiver seeks two Petters condo project foreclosures
  Creditors fret as Tom Petters' companies founder; Polaroid suffers "substantial losses"and may have to downsize.
• Petters' attorney turns prosecution witness in swindle case
  Derrick Riddle "looked at me like I was a piece of meat," Jon Hopeman said. Riddle, who is accused of seeking $250,000 to help the CEO, is acting as his own lawyer in court.
• Accountant charged in Tom Petters case
  James Wehmhoff of Plymouth is accused of conspiracy to defraud and assisting in filing of false tax returns in Tom Petters' alleged Ponzi scheme.
• Judge keeps Polaroid safe from 3 suits
  Petters subsidiary Polaroid Corp. is safe from some civil lawsuits filed against it -- for now.
• Sloppy signature claim doesn't work for man accused of trying to swindle Petters' lawyer
  A man accused of trying to swindle Tom Petters' lawyer tried a novel defense Monday, claiming a sloppy signature from a judge should set him free.
• Petters' lifestyle anything but cheap
  Monthly expenses for businessman Tom Petters, accused of fraud, were about $227,268 a month, according to documents filed in federal court.
• Partner buys out Petters' share of Business Impact Group
  Chanhassen businessman Paul Taunton is buying out Tom Petters' 50 percent stake in their jointly owned marketing company Business Impact Group (BIG) for $550,000.
• Petters case: Court order halting suits on Polaroid is challenged
  The government wants lawyers to keep their hands off Polaroid while it determines whether the firm was "propped up by fraud."
• Petters’ plea to 20 charges: Not guilty
  Tom Petters' trial is set for February on fraud and conspiracy counts, but a defense lawyer says it's unlikely he can be ready that quickly.
• Tom Petters is indicted on 20 counts
  The charges step up the government's case and replace a criminal complaint. A defense attorney says the businessman will plead not guilty today.
• Petters case: Where did the Bentleys go?
  Creditors are lining up for the scraps left from Tom Petters' fortune, some of it hidden in the form of fancy cars and condos.
• Sun Country seeks loan from a Petters company
  Sun Country Airlines, in a motion filed Tuesday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court, is seeking court approval to obtain short-term financing from a Petters Aviation company to help the carrier pay its bills until next spring.
• Committee appointed for Petters creditors
  They all want to know what's left of his businesses.
• Petters investor targeted in suit by Barclays Bank
  Hedge fund manager Ritchie Capital Management and its principal, Thane Ritchie, are accused of concealing more than $150 million in investments made in the collapsed Petters Group Worldwide and affiliates.
• Mansion of Petters associate for sale; proceeds will be held
  Frank Vennes Jr., a Shorewood businessman, got court approval to sell his Florida mansion for $5.8 million. A three-bedroom house in Bismarck, N.D., has already sold.
• The woman who brought down Tom Petters
  She came from humble beginnings but quickly grew accustomed to the millionaire lifestyle she could afford because of her boss and mentor. But when she lost faith in the unscrupulous practices in which she took part, Deanna Coleman turned to the FBI.
• Mansion of Petters associate for sale; proceeds will be held
  Frank Vennes Jr., a Shorewood businessman, got court approval to sell his Florida mansion for $5.8 million. A three-bedroom house in Bismarck, N.D., has already sold.
• Judge keeps Petters behind bars
  A wary judge kept him in jail after hearing a phone call and of previous legal troubles.
• Associate of Tom Petters posts bail for his release
  Larry Reynolds will be subject to home detention and electronic monitoring and must pay for a portion of the costs.
• Part 1: The collapse of the Petters empire
  Tom Petters, accused of massive investment fraud, has been a salesman since his youth. "He could talk your wallet right out of your pocket," a former boss says.
• Part 2: Burned: The human toll of the Petters case
  Flight attendants, hedge funds and retirees are caught in the wake of the federal probe. "I'm trying not to cry," said a woman who may have lost $100,000 in savings.
• Part 3: Tom Petters: Giving that hurts
  Charities that invested with Tom Petters dropped the ball when it came to making wise choices with donated funds, experts say.
• Part 4: Petters fraud case shakes foundations
  The future of the Thomas J. Petters Family Foundation is in doubt, and Another named for his son is bracing for fallout from the investment fraud investigation.
• Five funds blame Petters as they file bankruptcy
  Dominoes continue to fall in the fraud case against Twin Cities businessman Tom Petters.
• Petters aide pleads guilty to money laundering
  Larry Reynolds admitted to creating an account for money from investors who were told their cash would buy electronics goods.
• Judge applies brakes to slew of Petters suits
  The process of hacking through the intricate legal chaos of an alleged $3 billion fraud case against Twin Cities entrepreneur Tom Petters has only begun.
• One day, two court dates in the Petters case
  Thursday will be a big day for Tom Petters, the Twin Cities businessman accused of running a $3 billion investment fraud scheme for 13 years.
• 4th Petters defendant may enter guilty plea
  An alleged money launderer is given a new charge hinting of a plea bargain. Seven more Petters entities filed for bankruptcy.
• Petters sits in jail 'mortified' yet positive
  Through his lawyer, the entrepreneur says he's worried about his family, business and employees.
• Sun Country to pay workers 70 percent of wages
  Bookings have been strong enough to improve on the original reduction to half wages, but cash still is in short supply.
• Sun Country to walk own path during bankruptcy
  Petters Aviation, majority owner of the airline, may sell other assets, including a recently acquired charter carrier.
• Petters' troubles cost jobs at Minnesota Teen Challenge
  Layoffs at a Minnesota recovery center among the latest effects of the Petters investment scam probe.
• Petters case triggers two more Chapter 11s
  Fraud charges swirling around Twin Cities businessman Tom Petters have spawned two more bankruptcies, including a Chapter 11 filing for Petters Company Inc., the financing arm that allegedly was used to deceive investors.
• Charities might keep cash, forget name
  If you are a history buff, this is a good time to run over to the Walker Art Center and visit the T.J. Petters Family Library. I have a feeling it will vanish soon.
• Ministers, nonprofits among the latest investors to sue Petters
  They say they invested more than $20 million with the former CEO and his associates.
• Oct. 10: Politicos give Petters campaign cash the heave-ho
  Minnesota politicians are scrambling to jettison campaign cash donated by Tom Petters, the Twin Cities businessman accused of high-level fraud.
• Oct. 10: Layoffs coming at Petters companies
  Petters Group executives focus on saving their businesses as founder Tom Petters awaits trial on fraud charges.
• Petters' political giving
  Federal or state contributions to candidates' campaigns from Tom Petters, $1,500 and above.
• James Lileks: Pardon us if we snicker over Petters charges
  Should have left a skyscraper, Tom.
• Petters' cronies plead guilty in fraud scheme
  Deanna Coleman of Wayzata, who turned Petters in, and Robert Dean White of Excelsior and Michael Catain of Shorewood admitted to their roles in the scheme.
• Oct. 9: Petters will remain in jail while awaiting trial
  Saying the ex-CEO "has the personality to pull off a flight caper," the judge agreed with federal prosecutors that alternatives to jail were not workable.
• Lancelot investment fund sues and is sued over Petters case
  An Illinois-based investment fund and its management firm have filed a federal racketeering lawsuit in Minneapolis against Tom Petters, his companies and business associates, alleging that the fund lost "in excess of $1 billion" in a fraud scheme headed by Petters.
• Oct. 7: Lawyers argue over flight risk of Petters
  Prosecutors want Tom Petters jailed until his fraud trial. His lawyer says he won't be a fugitive. A judge will rule on the issue at 10 a.m. today.
• Petters' colleague to enter guilty plea
  Michael Catain is charged with money laundering conspiracy in what is described as a Ponzi scheme.
• Petters allegedly has $10M gambling losses
  A receiver is appointed to run Petters' companies; more investors sue to recover money.
• Sun Country files for bankruptcy
  The Mendota Heights airline said it will continue to fly its regular schedule.
• Reformed convict part of Petters probe
  Millionaire Frank Vennes Jr. once gave inspirational talks to prisoners but is now under investigation.
• Court receiver to oversee Petters' 'entities'
  A court receiver was appointed late last week to oversee various "entities" of Tom Petters, the jailed Twin Cities businessman who has been the subject of a whirlwind federal fraud investigation.
• Court papers: Petters planned to flee
  Agents arrested him Friday, partly in response to taped conversations showing he had plans to leave the country, documents say. He is held without bail on fraud charges.
• Friday: Sun Country warns of shutdown
  Airline leaders say they expect to survive a cash crisis but warned of layoffs or a shutdown as early as Dec. 1 to comply with a 60-day notification law.
• Oct. 1: Petters inquiry reverberates globally
  The potential financial implosion related to the government investigation of Minnetonka businessman Tom Petters has gone international. It also has prompted its latest lawsuit.
• PDF: FBI affidavit for Petters raid
  
• Federal prosecutors charge former Petters Co. officer
  A former Petters Co. Inc. officer and consultant from Excelsior was charged Tuesday in federal court with mail fraud and illegal monetary transactions.
• Sept. 30: Rich returns giving way to panic and fear
  A nonprofit and a charity that invested in Tom Petters' unconventional investment plan are worried they will lose millions now that the CEO is the subject of a fraud probe.
• Sept. 29: Sun Country workers face temporary 50% pay cut
  The airline is squeezed for cash but says it will reimburse deferred wages with interest in 2009.
• Sept. 29: Tom Petters resigns amid federal probe
  A new management and legal team will be assembled to oversee Petters Group and its affiliates as feds investigate allegations of fraud.
• Sept. 28: Sun Country won't ask for more cash from Petters
  The airline's CEO says it will continue its normal flight schedule and won't be affected by its owner's legal woes.
• Sept. 27: Probe puts Petters' success story in doubt
  The subject of a fraud investigation, the CEO is known for his golden touch and good works.
• Sept. 26: Federal officials: Petters tied to multi-billion dollar fraud scheme
  Federal officials, in outlining their case, call Tom Petters the central figure in a suspected scheme that funded his work and lifestyle. Petters maintains he’s innocent, his attorney says.
• Tom Petters back to business after raid
  Can cash-strapped Sun Country Airlines -- which might not be flying today if not for Tom Petters -- survive a federal investigation involving its chairman?
• Sept. 24: Feds raid Petters' Minnetonka HQ
  Agents served warrants at Petters Group Worldwide in Minnetonka, the majority owner of Sun Country Airlines. They also searched Tom Petters' Wayzata home.