Amish man receives prison sentence after pleading guilty to mail fraud

On behalf of Dickman Law Offices, P.S.C. posted in White Collar Crimes on Thursday, June 14, 2012

When people in Kentucky or others living elsewhere are convicted of fraud, they can face serious penalties. A man in a nearby state is learning first-hand just how serious those penalties can be.

A 78-year-old Amish man was recently sentenced to more than six years in prison after pleading guilty to mail fraud.

According to reports, the 78-year-old man worked as an investment advisor. He had around 3,300 Amish or Mennonite clients in 29 different states. He broke the law after sending his clients monthly and quarterly statements that led them to believe they were making money when they were actually losing millions of dollars.

The man filed for bankruptcy two years ago. At that time, he owed his clients more than $16 million.

Although the man will face time behind bars, he could have been sentenced to as many as 15 years in prison. However, the man’s age was taken into consideration. In addition, many of his clients asked for a less severe punishment.

People in Kentucky who are facing criminal charges may feel that the odds are stacked against them. However, this case serves as a reminder that even those who are convicted of a crime may face reduced penalties. In certain criminal cases, it is wise to focus on mitigating any potential consequences rather than focusing on a person’s innocence.

To determine the best criminal defense, it is often beneficial to work with an experienced attorney. After investigating every aspect of a case, an attorney will determine the most appropriate course of action.

Source: WYTV, “Man Sentenced in $17M Amish Fraud Case,” June 13, 2012

Posted in: Criminal Defense, White Collar Crimes