S.O.S. (Stories of Service) - Ordinary people who do extraordinary work
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S.O.S. (Stories of Service) - Ordinary people who do extraordinary work
The story of a 40 million dollar fraud | Chris Bentley - S.O.S. Podcast #66
This next story is unlike any previous episode on my podcast. I’m going to bring you what accountability looks like. My next guest broke the law, betrayed the trust of so many he loved, and lost millions in an act that few would dare to admit so publicly.
Lying to everyone around him, Chris is currently awaiting the outcome of turning himself over to the authorities. This limbo period gives him a unique opportunity to share this cautionary tale. Hear his story and how it can help you understand what happens when you think you have all the answers and how to protect your investments from a similar fate.
Chris Bentley is the Founder & CEO of Bellatorum Resources. This investment company specialized in acquiring and managing oil and gas royalties before shutting its doors in April of 2021 when Chris turned himself in for committing fraud.
Before launching Bellatorum, Chris worked as a landman/right of way agent for a small oil and gas land services firm. Prior to entering the private sector, Chris served over 14 years in the United States Marine Corps, serving multiple combat tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan reaching the rank of Gunnery Sergeant (E-7) before being medically discharged for injuries sustained during his years of service. Chris earned his undergraduate degree and a Masters in Organizational Leadership from Norwich University - The Military College of Vermont. Additionally, he holds an MBA from Rice University’s Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business. Chris is actively involved in supporting many local charities, including initiatives that support veterans and Christian ministries.
Bellatorum Resources was a veteran-owned and operated investment firm specializing in mineral rights/oil and gas royalty acquisitions. Founded in 2016 by Chris with a little over $40K in savings, Bellatorum Resources grew to 21 employees (all US military veterans) and nearly $40MM in assets under management at its height. Bellatorum started as a legitimate business and experienced real success by building an impressive track record based on legitimate above-market returns before its founder, Chris committed fraud in late 2019 in an attempts to survive an industry downturn.
Going into the COVID 19 pandemic of 2020, Chris’s fraud spiraled out of control, ultimately resulting in the closure of Bellatorum in April of 2021 and Chris turn
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