Ponzi suspect Jones still in Canada: lawyer

A missing Montreal financial planner suspected of using a Ponzi scheme to bilk his clients out of about $50 million is still in Canada, a prominent defence lawyer who claims to be in contact with him said Tuesday.

Earl Jones, 67, went missing more than two weeks ago. He has not been charged and the allegations against him have not been proven in court.  

Veteran criminal lawyer Jeffrey Boro told CBC News he has been in constant contact with both Jones and the police for the past week.

He said Jones is willing to meet with police after they finish reviewing his finances. But Boro wouldn't disclose exactly where Jones is, only that he is not with his wife.

The lawyer added that Jones is a "very depressed individual and is dealing with an awful situation."

"A lot of people will say, 'Well, yeah, he's the one that created it,'" Boro said. "That could very well be true, but the reality is, he's very depressed."

It comes a day after Jones's family said in a statement they are shocked and shamed by the allegations against him and urged the missing financial adviser to "come forward and provide an explanation."