Swindler Wanted

He is wanted for swindling money. A former Southbury resident accused of swindling dozens of investors - including his mother - out of $6.2 million is being sought by U.S. marshals. Robert Holt Palmer, 40, has been missing since Oct. 1, when he failed to appear in U.S. District Court in New Haven for sentencing, marshals said. Palmer was found guilty June 3 of mail fraud, wire fraud and filing a false tax return, according to marshals. He faces up to 18 years in prison and may have to repay the money. Marshals say Palmer set up an investment scam in which he gained the confidence of investors from 12 states and Sweden. But, according to authorities, he never invested their money. His mother, Barbara Palmer, was forced to declare bankruptcy. Palmer is described as a 6-foot, 250-pound white man with brown hair and blue eyes. Authorities are offering a reward for information leading to his arrest, but would not disclose the amount. Marshals asked that anyone with information on Palmer's whereabouts call (203) 579-5897 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or (877) 926-8332 after hours.