Russell Wasendorf Sr., founder of futures broker Peregrine Financial Group, has pleaded guilty to a fraud involving 24,000 customers in the state of Iowa.

The embezzlement, totaling over $100 million, began some 20 years ago.

Russell Wasendorf Sr., 64, was once regarded as a noble figure who supported a range of institutions from health care to universities.

He now faces at least 24 years in jail. Prosecutors said: “He has gone from being a hero… to a villain.”

In court, Russell Wasendorf pleaded guilty to charges including mail fraud, embezzling customer funds and making false statements to two regulatory agencies.

Russell Wasendorf Sr, founder of futures broker Peregrine Financial Group, has pleaded guilty to a fraud involving 24,000 customers

In July he attempted suicide, writing a note that was found on his person confessing to the fraud.

The company he built up over 30 years is being dismantled by receivers who will attempt to refund some of the money taken from the 24,000-strong customer base.

Assets recently sold include a corporate jet and a publishing company which produced Russell Wasendorf’s books and magazines giving investment advice.

The receiver is also hoping to raise money from various properties including a restaurant, company headquarters that could be worth $20 million and a 4,000-bottle wine collection.

Peregrine’s customers invested mainly in commodities, including corn and gold.

They have not been able to access their accounts since the firm filed for bankruptcy in July but are expected to gain back an initial 30-40% of their investment in the coming weeks.