Cincinnati, Ohio – A 41-year-old Cincinnati man, Benjamin Cantey, has been indicted on charges of defrauding investors out of more than $6.5 million through a laundry and dry-cleaning pickup and delivery business. The six-count indictment, which was unsealed yesterday, accuses Cantey of misrepresenting financial details and siphoning funds for personal gain.
Allegations of Fraudulent Activities
In 2019, Cantey founded Carbon IQ Inc., operating as Rumby, a Delaware-registered company run from Cincinnati. Marketed as a venture-backed startup, Rumby claimed to provide an e-commerce platform for the pickup and delivery of laundry and dry cleaning. Acting as the founder and CEO, Cantey sought investment from individuals and organizations, but investigators allege he resorted to fraudulent practices to secure funding.
From 2020 to 2022, Cantey is accused of presenting false information about his experience, business success, and Rumby’s performance to potential investors. Prosecutors allege that Cantey overstated Rumby’s revenue, profits, growth potential, and even bank account balances. For example, he claimed that the company’s bank account had $1.5 million in May 2022, when it reportedly had a negative balance of approximately -$53,000.
Authorities further allege that Cantey misused investor funds for personal expenses. Specifically, he is accused of using $850,000 of investor money to purchase a 5,000-square-foot, $1.7 million home on Garden Place in Cincinnati.
Cantey has been charged with four counts of wire fraud and two counts of engaging in monetary transactions involving property derived from unlawful activity. If convicted, he could face significant prison time and fines. The charges were announced by Kenneth L. Parker, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Cincinnati Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew C. Singer is prosecuting the case.
