Image caption Mr Wasendorf was once a well-respected figure in his community but now faces years in jail

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

The embezzlement, totalling over $100m (£61.5m), began some 20 years ago.

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

Assets sold

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 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 $20m 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.