A person sending fraudulent emails

Georgia Man Faces 20 Years in Prison for Sending Fraudulent Email

In March 2017, a Brookhaven man allegedly sent one email to a county government in Kansas and received more than a half million dollars, according to WXIA. The man was arrested on federal charges for allegedly carrying out an e-mail spoofing scheme that cost Sedgwick County approximately $566,000. The man, a 48-year-old, is charged with wire fraud.

According to the FBI, the man created the fake email account with the intent to resemble a company that recently completed road work for the county. The alleged offense happened in September 2016. Within the email, the FBI claims the man attached a request payments be made electronically to a Wells Fargo Bank located in Georgia. The county transferred the payment into the account shortly after receiving the email. The real company then contacted the county about its payment.

The FBI allegedly found the man because Wells Fargo account was owned by the accused.

If convicted, the man faces 20 years in federal prison and $25,000. According to the FBI, it only recovered about $22,000 of the money sent.                                                                                                                     

What is Federal Wire Fraud in Decatur?

Federal wire fraud is listed under the 18 U.S.C. section 1343. It is the scheme to commit fraud by using the interstate of foreign wire communication. The fraud scheme is an act to conceal a material fact or obtain money or property with false or fraudulent means. Wire communication means to receive or transmit through a radio signal, interstate telephone or any electronic device. The federal government includes text, email, and cell phone calls as wire communication. The guilt party must have the intent to defraud someone or a company. Intent to defraud involves knowingly and willfully trying to obtain money, information, or property from someone or some company.

Defending Federal Wire Fraud Case in Decatur

A defense is vital to getting a case dismissed, reduced, or acquitted. The specific defense used depends on the facts of the case. Common defenses include attacking the elements, or things federal prosecutors have to prove such as intent to defraud and conducting a scheme. For instance, the person accused could claim they had no intent to defraud another individual by sending the communication. They were just joking and had no intent to collect the money.

Other defenses combat the federal prosecutor’s claim. For instance, lack of knowledge defense challenges prosecutors to prove the person knew of the fraudulent scheme. They accused could be an unwitting accomplice in the scheme.

Were You Charged with Wire Fraud in Decatur or Atlanta Area?

Contact the Law Firm of Shein & Brandenburg P.C. for assistance with your wire fraud case. We are here for you at any phase of your criminal case. From the police investigation to any post-conviction relief you seek, we are ready to work for you. Contact our office to find out how we will fight your criminal charge. You need a strong defense and attorneys to fight you. Contact us.