Although firmly anchored in the South, the Rands are spread across the country.

CNN: The story

Instead of drilling wells, however, the Rands bought real estate, boats, vehicles, an original Picasso, wine, jewelry, jade and musical instruments.

FORBES: Rare Guitars Seized In Dallas Ponzi Scheme To Go Up For Auction

Whichever of the Rands was the guitar aficionado, he also collected a lefty 1959 Fender Stratocaster Hardtail and a lefty 1965 Strat Sunburst.

FORBES: Rare Guitars Seized In Dallas Ponzi Scheme To Go Up For Auction

Federal prosecutors sent the Rands to the pen, but the U.S. Marshalls Service kept the loot, which is now being put up for auction to pay back victims.

FORBES: Rare Guitars Seized In Dallas Ponzi Scheme To Go Up For Auction

Promises of riches were given to investors but the only ones getting rich were the Rands, who had discovered there was more money in raising money than there ever was in natural gas.

FORBES: Aspen Exploration Fraud - All In The Family