Tag:

Wire Fraud

COVID-19: John Gotti's Grandson Admits To $1M Relief Fraud COVID-19: John Gotti's Grandson Admits To $1M Relief Fraud
Covid-19: John Gotti's Grandson Admits To $1M Relief Fraud A New York man with ties to the Mafia formally confessed to a million-dollar COVID-19 relief fraud scheme. Long Island resident Carmine Agnello, age 38, of Smithtown, pleaded guilty to wire fraud in Central Islip federal court on Thursday, Sept. 26. Agnello is the grandson of the late John Gotti, former boss of the Gambino organized crime family. According to prosecutors, between April 2020 and November 2021, he fraudulently applied for, and received, at least three small business loans under the US Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDLP). The program…
Ousted Rep. George Santos  Likely To Face Prison After Pleading Guilty In Fraud Case Ousted Rep. George Santos  Likely To Face Prison After Pleading Guilty In Fraud Case
Ousted Rep. George Santos Likely To Face Prison After Pleading Guilty In Fraud Case Former Republican Congressman George Santos admitted to committing wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in a federal court on Monday, Aug. 19, authorities announced.  The 36-year-old former inhabitant of New York's 3rd Congressional District seat on Long Island was facing 23 felonies, and a trial set to begin next month.  A federal judge will sentence Santos on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, the US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York said. According to federal sentencing guidelines, aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory two-year minimum sentence.&n…
Ex-Rep. Santos To Plead Guilty In Federal Trial: Reports Ex-Rep. Santos To Plead Guilty In Federal Trial: Reports
Ex-Rep. Santos To Plead Guilty In Federal Trial: Reports Former Republican Rep. George Santos is expected to plead guilty to federal charges weeks ahead of his upcoming trial, multiple news outlets are reporting.  The 36-year-old Santos, who represented New York's 3rd Congressional District, faces 23 federal charges including identity theft, wire fraud, money laundering, and lying to Congress.  NBC News reported that Santos' lawyers and federal investigators are hammering out a plea deal on some of those charges that will be presented to a judge on Monday, Aug. 19. The details on that agreement, which charges he will admit to, and …
Ex-Rep Santos Celebrates 'Squad' Member's 'Humiliating' Loss: 'We're Coming To Get You' Ex-Rep Santos Celebrates 'Squad' Member's 'Humiliating' Loss: 'We're Coming To Get You'
Ex-Rep Santos Celebrates 'Squad' Member's 'Humiliating' Loss: 'We're Coming To Get You' Former Rep. George Santos may have been banished out into the political cold, but he's kept his grudges hot.  The 36-year-old former Republican who served New York's 3rd District posted a video Tuesday night, Aug. 6, celebrating after another member of the so-called "Squad" lost her primary. Related: Santos Announces Comeback Bid After Being Ousted From Congress Rep. Cori Bush, who has served Missouri's 1st District since 2021, lost her bid on Tuesday to remain on the Democratic ticket to local prosecutor Wesley Bell, who garnered 51 percent of the vote to Bush's 45, according to NBC …
Mass. Man Admits To Stealing Money Meant For Veteran Suicide Prevention: Feds Mass. Man Admits To Stealing Money Meant For Veteran Suicide Prevention: Feds
Mass. Man Admits To Stealing Money Meant For Veteran Suicide Prevention: Feds A Haverhill man pleaded guilty to siphoning nearly $50,000 from a nonprofit focusing on helping veterans considering suicide to use on OnlyFans models and a cruise, authorities announced.  David Duren, 48, admitted to wire fraud on Monday, July 1, the US Attorney for New Hampshire said. He faces up to 20 years in prison during his sentencing on Oct. 10.  Duren was a program manager at a healthcare provider in Nashua, New Hampshire, and oversaw a $750,000 program funded by a Staff Sergeant Fox Suicide Prevention Grant. The money was earmarked for treatments and services for ve…
Postal Employee Who Embezzled $90K Gets 18 Months In Prison, Must Pay Restitution: Feds Postal Employee Who Embezzled $90K Gets 18 Months In Prison, Must Pay Restitution: Feds
Postal Employee Who Embezzled $90K Gets 18 Months In Prison, Must Pay Restitution: Feds A former US Postal Service employee who was convicted of stealing $90,000 will spend the next 18 months behind bars, authorities announced on Tuesday, June 11.  Jamesa Rankins, 27, of Brockton, was found guilty in November of one count of theft of government money and three counts of wire fraud, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. She was ordered to spend 18 months in federal prison and repay the $104,698 she embezzled from the Postal Service.  Rankins worked as a Sales & Service Distribution Associate at the Montello Post office in Brockton for approximately four and a ha…
Brookline Woman Admits To $650K Embezzlement Scheme From Medical Practice: Feds Brookline Woman Admits To $650K Embezzlement Scheme From Medical Practice: Feds
Brookline Woman Admits To $650K Embezzlement Scheme From Medical Practice: Feds An ex-office manager from a Brookline medical practice admitted to stealing more than $650,000 from her former employer, authorities said Friday, May 24.  Kathleen Libby, 40, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and will be sentenced on Sept. 4, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. She faces up to 20 years in federal prison.  Libby was accused of stealing from her former employer in multiple ways, including creating a fake vendor named "Medline Surgical Supplies" to which she would send PayPal payments, the prosecutor said.  She used the money to buy items from …
$2.2M Scheme: Mass Man Convinces Victims To Invest In Youth Sports Ventures, Steals Funds $2.2M Scheme: Mass Man Convinces Victims To Invest In Youth Sports Ventures, Steals Funds
Watertown's Adrian Kawuba Defrauds Victims Out Of $2.2M A Massachusetts man will spend years in prison for defrauding investors who believed they had been financing youth sports ventures, federal officials announced. Middlesex County resident Adrian Kawuba, of Watertown, age 34, was sentenced to 27 months in prison for taking part in a $2.2 million scheme to defraud investors into financing what they thought were youth sports ventures in Africa, the US Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts announced on Thursday, April 11. According to federal officials, Kawuba would tell victims that he would invest their money into …
George Santos Announces Comeback Bid For NY Congressional Seat: 'Off To The Races' George Santos Announces Comeback Bid For NY Congressional Seat: 'Off To The Races'
George Santos Announces Comeback Bid For NY Congressional Seat: 'Off To The Races' Disgraced former New York Rep. George Santos is mounting a comeback campaign. The Republican ex-lawmaker from Long Island – who was ousted from his 3rd District seat representing parts of Nassau County and Queens – announced a primary challenge against Rep. Nick LaLota for his 1st District seat. In a statement on X shared during President Biden’s State of the Union address Thursday night, March 7, Santos said New York hasn’t had “a real conservative represent them” since he left office “thanks to RINO, empty suits like Nick LaLota.” Earlier Report: Exiled Congressman Turned Reality …
Mass Man Used Money Meant For Suicide Prevention For Veterans On OnlyFans, Cruise: Feds Mass Man Used Money Meant For Suicide Prevention For Veterans On OnlyFans, Cruise: Feds
Mass Man Used Money Meant For Suicide Prevention For Veterans On OnlyFans, Cruise: Feds A Massachusetts man stole money from a nonprofit that was meant to prevent veterans from committing suicide and spent it on a cruise, OnlyFans models, and landscaping, federal authorities said.  David Duren, a/k/a Dawud Hakiem Duren, 48, was indicted in a New Hampshire federal court on Tuesday, March 5, on charges of wire fraud and federal program fraud, the US Attorney for New Hampshire said.  Duren was a program manager at a healthcare provider in Nashua, New Hampshire, and oversaw a $750,000 program funded by a Staff Sergeant Fox Suicide Prevention Grant. The money was ear…
Ex-Boston Headmistress Who Used School Money For Tropical Vacations Avoids Jail Time: Feds Ex-Boston Headmistress Who Used School Money For Tropical Vacations Avoids Jail Time: Feds
Ex-Boston Headmistress Who Used School Money For Tropical Vacations Avoids Jail Time: Feds The former leader of a Boston school who admitted to using nearly $40,000 set aside for the children's education on personal expenses and tropical vacations will not go to prison, but she must repay the money, authorities said.  Naia Wilson, 60, of Mattapan, was sentenced on Tuesday, Jan. 9, to 90 days of home confinement, two years of probation, 160 hours of community service, and a $25,000 fine, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. She must also repay the $38,806 she took from Boston Public Schools.  Wilson pleaded guilty in September to a single count of wire fraud.&nbs…
NJ Man Conned $1.5M From Boston Buddy To Fund Casino Trips, Fund NY Restaurant: Feds Say NJ Man Conned $1.5M From Boston Buddy To Fund Casino Trips, Fund NY Restaurant: Feds Say
NJ Man Conned $1.5M From Boston Buddy To Fund Casino Trips, Fund NY Restaurant: Feds Say A New Jersey man who admitted to conning a friend out of $1.5 million on a fake investment scheme in Boston to fund his restaurant and casino vacations will serve 18 months in prison, authorities announced.  Edwin Tavarez, 48, of Garfield, N.J., pleaded guilty to wire fraud in May and was sentenced on Monday, Dec. 18, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. He must also repay the $1,515,836 million he stole.  Tavarez conned a decades-long friend into "investing" in an industrial property in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston, authorities said. Tavarez told his friend they …
Ex-State Senator Charged With 28 Counts Of Fraud: Feds Ex-State Senator Charged With 28 Counts Of Fraud: Feds
Ex-State Senator Charged With 28 Counts Of Fraud: Feds A former Republican state senator who represented Worcester and Middlesex counties was charged with illegally taking thousands in COVID relief money and concealing cash from the IRS, federal authorities said.  Dean Tran, 48, of Fitchburg, was indicted on 25 counts of wire fraud and three charges of filing false tax reports on Friday, Nov. 17, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. He pleaded not guilty to all of the charges.  Tran served in the Massachusetts Senate from 2017-2021.  Investigators said Tran collected $30,120 in unemployment benefits after being voted out of o…
Man Conned 300 Mass Families To Pay For His Plastic Surgery, Vacations, Gambling: Feds Man Conned 300 Mass Families To Pay For His Plastic Surgery, Vacations, Gambling: Feds
Man Conned 300 Mass Families To Pay For His Plastic Surgery, Vacations, Gambling: Feds The only thing the kids who signed up for MB Sports Camps learned about baseball was how to steal — but not bases.  Mehdi Belhassan, 53, of Tampa, Fla., was convicted last week after a six-day trial of two counts of wire fraud, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. He was accused of stealing $380,000 from 303 families across the state and country and a $191,000 advance from an online payment company.  Belhassan ran the annual MB Sports Camps. In 2019, however, he collected parents' money like usual, but this time, ran away with it to pay for plastic surgery and "extravagant…
Ex-Stoneham Detective With History Of Scamming Landlords Pleads Guilty To Fraud: Feds Ex-Stoneham Detective With History Of Scamming Landlords Pleads Guilty To Fraud: Feds
Ex-Stoneham Detective With History Of Scamming Landlords Pleads Guilty To Fraud: Feds A former Middlesex County police detective admitted to lying and submitting false paperwork to get an apartment and then stiffing his landlord on payments, federal authorities said.  Robert Kennedy, 54, of Stoneham, pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud on Wednesday, Sept. 20, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. He is scheduled to be sentenced in January and faces a potential 40-year prison term, though he will likely get far less.   Kennedy has a history of scamming landlords. He would lie on his applications to obtain a lease agreement and, after moving in, not pay…
CT Man Returned $300K Of Items To Home Depots That He Never Paid For: Feds CT Man Returned $300K Of Items To Home Depots That He Never Paid For: Feds
CT Man Returned $300K Of Items To Home Depots That He Never Paid For: Feds A Connecticut man is accused of ripping off nearly $300,000 from more than two dozen Home Depot stores across eight states, including Massachusetts and Connecticut, authorities said.  Henrique Costa-Mota, age 26, of West Hartford, is charged with conspiracy and wire fraud in the scheme that he allegedly ran from June 2021 until February 202, the US Attorney for Rhode Island said.  Costa-Mota is accused of going to Home Depot locations across the Northeast dressed as a contractor. He would walk in empty-handed, take several doors from the back of the store, and then "return" them t…
Ex-Leader Used Boston School's Money As 'Slush Fund,' Paid For Tropical Vacations: Feds Ex-Leader Used Boston School's Money As 'Slush Fund,' Paid For Tropical Vacations: Feds
Ex-Leader Used Boston School's Money As 'Slush Fund,' Paid For Tropical Vacations: Feds The former headmaster of a Boston school will admit that she used nearly $40,000 in money set aside for children's education to pay for personal expenses, including two trips to Barbados, federal authorities said.  Naia Wilson, 60, of Mattapan, who is charged with one count of wire fraud, told prosecutors that she will plead guilty in federal court at a later date, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said Tuesday, Aug. 1. She has also agreed to repay the $38,806 she stole from the Boston Public Schools system.  Wilson served as headmaster at New Mission School in Hyde Park fro…
COVID-19: Owner Of NY Theme Park, Restaurant Admits Stealing $3.2M In Federal Aid COVID-19: Owner Of NY Theme Park, Restaurant Admits Stealing $3.2M In Federal Aid
Covid-19: Owner Of NY Theme Park, Restaurant Admits Stealing $3.2M In Federal Aid A man who owns a theme park and restaurant in New York has admitted to stealing over $3 million through federal COVID-19 aid with some of those funds used to buy a home on Nantucket. Long Island resident Donald Finley, age 61, of Roslyn, the owner of Jekyll & Hyde Restaurant in Manhattan and the Bayville Adventure Park in Nassau County, pleaded guilty to disaster relief fraud and wire fraud on Thursday, May 25. As stated in court filings by the US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Breon Peace: Between March 2020 and March 2021, amid the COVID pandemic, Finley fra…
Mass Dentist Who Embezzled $1.2M Gets 2 Years In Prison: Feds Mass Dentist Who Embezzled $1.2M Gets 2 Years In Prison: Feds
Mass Dentist Who Embezzled $1.2M Gets 2 Years In Prison: Feds A Massachusetts dentist who admitted to embezzling more than $1.2 million from his practice and fraudulently receiving $50,000 in pandemic relief cash is heading to prison, authorities said.  Jack Massarsky, 65, was sentenced to two years in federal prison and three years of probation earlier this week, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. He pleaded guilty to mail fraud and wire fraud in January.  Massarsky worked as a dentist and bookkeeper at a Hyannis practice in Cape Cod, and he admitted to opening a secret bank account in the practice's name to deposit insurance checks se…
Ex-Mass Police Union Chief Gets 2.5 Years In Prison After Fraud Conviction: Feds Ex-Mass Police Union Chief Gets 2.5 Years In Prison After Fraud Conviction: Feds
Ex-Mass Police Union Chief Gets 2.5 Years In Prison After Fraud Conviction: Feds The former president of the State Police Association of Massachusetts and the group's ex-lobbyist were sentenced Wednesday, May 10, after they were convicted on charges that they turned the union into a "criminal enterprise" that defrauded its members, authorities said.  Dana A. Pullman, 60, of Worcester — the former president of SPAM  — was sentenced to 30 months behind bars and three years of probation, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. Anne M. Lynch, 71, of Huff, the union's lobbyist, received two years in prison and two years of supervised release, the prosecutor add…
Man Used Stolen ID To Live Rent-Free In Lynn Apartment For Nearly Year: Feds Man Used Stolen ID To Live Rent-Free In Lynn Apartment For Nearly Year: Feds
Man Used Stolen ID To Live Rent-Free In Lynn Apartment For Nearly Year: Feds A 36-year-old Lynn man is accused of stealing a person's identity to rent an apartment and then never paying rent, federal authorities said.  Steeve Jean faces charges of wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and unauthorized use of a Social Security number, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. He potentially faces decades in prison if convicted.  The prosecutor said that Jean rented an apartment in September 2021 under someone else's name and lived there until June 2022 without paying any recent. He left when the owners started eviction proceedings against him.  He…
Ex-Mass Detective Stiffed Multiple Landlords Despite Making $187K A Year: Feds Ex-Mass Detective Stiffed Multiple Landlords Despite Making $187K A Year: Feds
Ex-Mass Detective Stiffed Multiple Landlords Despite Making $187K A Year: Feds Despite making a comfortable living as a Stoneham police detective sergeant, Robert Kennedy left a wake of jilted landlords who say he owes them thousands in unpaid rent stretching back years. Now, federal authorities allege he broke the law by lying on rental applications to hide his shady past.  Robert Kennedy, 53, is charged with one count of wire fraud, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. He made his first appearance in court on Friday, March 31.  #BREAKING: Today, #FBI Boston special agents arrested former @StonehamMAPD Detective Sgt. Robert A. Kennedy for wire fraud. He allege…
$1.5M In Stolen Vehicles: Haverhill Man Admits Running Ring That Used Stolen IDs To Buy Cars $1.5M In Stolen Vehicles: Haverhill Man Admits Running Ring That Used Stolen IDs To Buy Cars
$1.5M In Stolen Vehicles: Haverhill Man Admits Running Ring That Used Stolen IDs To Buy Cars A 39-year-old Essex County man admitted to a wide-ranging scheme that involved buying cars and opening credit cards using stolen identities of US citizens living in Puerto Rico, federal authorities said. He potentially faces decades in prison.  Alvin Rivera, of Haverhill, pleaded guilty Monday, March 13, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and false representation of a Social Security number, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. A judge is set to sentence him in June.  Investigators said Rivera orchestrated the scheme with multiple pe…
Romance Scammer Who Swindled $1M From Victims Sentenced To 3 Years: Feds Romance Scammer Who Swindled $1M From Victims Sentenced To 3 Years: Feds
Romance Scammer Who Swindled $1M From Victims Sentenced To 3 Years: Feds A 38-year-old Canton woman who stole $1 million from her victims using romance scams and pandemic unemployment fraud will spend more than three years behind bars.  Florence Mwende Musau pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud and was sentenced to 44 months in prison and ordered to repay $957,000 in restitution and forfeit $350,000 and a Lexus SUV, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said.  Investigators said Musau took part in a conspiracy where criminals would create fake profiles on dating apps to swindle cash from victims. To hide the money, she…
Brighton Food Truck Owner Used $1.5M Of Covid Relief Funds To Buy Stocks: Feds Brighton Food Truck Owner Used $1.5M Of Covid Relief Funds To Buy Stocks: Feds
Brighton Food Truck Owner Used $1.5M Of Covid Relief Funds To Buy Stocks: Feds A Brighton food truck owner admitted this week to filing fake loan applications for $1.5 million in Covid-19 relief funds that he used to buy stocks, authorities said.  Loc Vo, 55, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud on Tuesday, Jan. 10, and now faces a maximum of 20 years behind bars, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said.   Vo owned Smart Gourmet and Indy Publish, a dormant business in Maryland during the pandemic. Federal investigators said that between April 2020 and July 2021, Vo submitted loan applications for these businesses under three Small Business Administr…
Dumb Smartphone Scheme Could Send Acton Man To Prison For Decades: Feds Dumb Smartphone Scheme Could Send Acton Man To Prison For Decades: Feds
Dumb Smartphone Scheme Could Send Acton Man To Prison For Decades: Feds An Acton man this week admitted using several stolen identities to steal nearly half a million dollars in COVID-19 relief money and laundered the cash by buying and reselling iPhones, federal authorities said.  Edwin Acevedo, 36, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of wire fraud, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. Both charges carry a potential 20-year prison sentence, the prosecutor noted.  Federal investigators said Acevedo and a partner, Hector Garcia, 49, of Manchester, NH, concocted a scheme that netted them $452,000 in&…
Stoughton Man Admits To Using Money For Struggling Businesses To Pay His Mortgage: Feds Stoughton Man Admits To Using Money For Struggling Businesses To Pay His Mortgage: Feds
Stoughton Man Admits To Using Money For Struggling Businesses To Pay His Mortgage: Feds A Stoughton man who pleaded guilty to using COVID-19 relief money to pay his mortgage and gave some to his wife and several other people will spend 15 months in federal prison, authorities said.  Adley Bernadin, 44, pleaded guilty to a single count of wire fraud, and along with his prison term, he must forfeit $284,596, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. Federal investigators said Bernadin used his home healthcare business "La Salette" to apply for Payroll Protection Program money but lied about the number of employees he had and the payroll costs on the aid application. Bern…
Lowell Money Manager Admits To Stealing $3.5M From Clients, Elderly Couple's Life Savings: Feds Lowell Money Manager Admits To Stealing $3.5M From Clients, Elderly Couple's Life Savings: Feds
Lowell Money Manager Admits To Stealing $3.5M From Clients, Elderly Couple's Life Savings: Feds A Lowell money manager who police arrested trying to flee the country pleaded guilty to stealing millions of dollars of his client's money, including one elderly couple's entire life savings, federal authorities said.  Steven Xigoros, 55, pleaded guilty this week to two counts of wire fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft, and one count of filing a false tax return, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said.  Xigoros worked as an accountant, tax preparer, and investment advisor who federal investigators said used that position to misappropriate millions of dollars from his cl…
Mass Men Who Tried To Steal $530,000 Through People's Cell Phones Sentenced Mass Men Who Tried To Steal $530,000 Through People's Cell Phones Sentenced
Mass Men Who Tried To Steal $530,000 Through People's Cell Phones Sentenced Two Massachusetts men who pleaded guilty to taking part in a scheme to steal $530,000 worth of cryptocurrency and "OG" steal social media accounts will spend two years in federal prison, authorities said.  Eric Meiggs, 25, of Brockton, and Declan Harrington, 22, of Rockport, pleaded guilty earlier this year to one count of conspiracy, four counts of wire fraud, one count of computer fraud and abuse and one count of aggravated identity theft, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. Harrington also copped to an additional count of wire fraud.  The men admitted they we…
Quincy Realtor Who Deposited $1.8 Million In Forged Checks Gets 30 Months In Prison Quincy Realtor Who Deposited $1.8 Million In Forged Checks Gets 30 Months In Prison
Quincy Realtor Who Deposited $1.8 Million In Forged Checks Gets 30 Months In Prison A Quincy real estate broker was sentenced to 30 months in prison for stealing nearly $1.8 million in deposit checks, mostly for properties that weren't even for sale, authorities said. Michael P. Flavin, age 39, collected checks from potential buyers for numerous properties between 2017 and 2020, the US Attorney's Office for Massachusetts reports. Flavin did this without the owners agreeing to sell their properties, the office reports.  He also forged the signatures of the sellers on the agreements to complete the transactions. In all, Flavin cashed more than 60 che…
Former Everett Man Admits To Lying To Get Thousands In COVID-19 Relief Money: Feds Former Everett Man Admits To Lying To Get Thousands In COVID-19 Relief Money: Feds
Former Everett Man Admits To Lying To Get Thousands In Covid-19 Relief Money: Feds A 28-year-old former Everett man pleaded guilty this week to identity theft and wire fraud charges as part of multiple schemes to illegally get federal pandemic-relief money, the Department of Justice said.  Tedje Menard admitted in court to lying on an application for the Paycheck Protection Plan by inflating his business's income and hiding his criminal history to get a $20,833 loan, the US Attorney's Office said.  He also admitted to stealing another person's identity to rent an apartment in East Boston, the prosecutor said. Menard also applied for a $40,000 Economic Injury Dis…