Former Personal Assistant to Dave Matthews Band’s Violinist Sentenced in Wire Fraud Case

The former personal assistant to Dave Matthews Band’s violinist, Boyd Tinsley, was sentenced for pleading guilty to one count of wire fraud in federal court on Friday, January 16th.

Getty Andrew Rothenberg, 39, pleaded guilty to one charge of wire fraud for embezzling up to $2.5 million from his long-time personal friend, Boyd Tinsley, who has made millions playing violin for the Dave Matthews Band, which became famous in 1991.

Rothenberg has been sentenced under a plea agreement to 9 months in federal prison, as well as 9 months of home incarceration. He has also agreed to pay back $1.25 million to Tinsley. Rothenberg could have faced up to 30 years in federal prison, but a presentence report showed that “background, criminal history and family circumstances” were all mitigating factors in the defendant’s case. Tinsley also requested a lenient sentence for his friend, offering to help Rothenberg with treatment upon his release.

“The victim has made clear his interest in finding Mr. Rothenberg help,” Timothy J. Heaphy, U.S. attorney for the Western District of Virginia, told the judge at the sentencing hearing. “He has been very clear about that.”

According to court records, the men had been friends for about 20 years, and Rothenberg had served as Tinsley’s financial manager for much of that time. Rothenberg would reportedly email Tinsley invoices for bills, and pocket the difference to cover his own personal expenses. He also withdrew cash, and wrote himself checks from Tinsley’s accounts.

Tinsley, a Charlottesville, VA native, invests heavily in local and national charities. He discovered the missing funds in 2012, and confronted Rothenberg about it.

“I’m very sorry for not being as diligent as I could have been in my business contracts with Mr. Tinsley,” Rothenberg told the judge before sentencing. “I’m very embarrassed to be here and very sorry, and I accept my punishment. I look forward to getting past this and to having a positive impact on society.”

The judge accepted testimonies and Rothenberg’s contrition, saying that that made the plea deal and very lenient wire fraud sentence acceptable.

“You took money and you take responsibility for that, and that speaks to why the mitigation of the sentencing agreements is acceptable,” the judge said.

Federal Wire Fraud Charges and Defense

The law broadly defines wire fraud as devising or intending to devise a scheme to defraud others of money or property under false or fraudulent pretenses, representations or promises by means of electronic communications, or “wires.” Because they typically involve interstate matters, most wire fraud cases are considered federal crimes with convictions carrying heavy fines, prison sentences of up to 20 years, or both.

Our federal criminal defense lawyers handle wire fraud cases involving:

• Fraudulent insurance claims
• Bond issuances and investment schemes
• Falsifying loan applications
• Check fraud schemes
• Bribes or kickbacks
• False advertising or misrepresentation in sales transactions

Transferring money to an offshore or international bank may be legitimate and legal transactions; however, tranferring money to an offshore or international bank account to hide a crime can lead to serious federal criminal charges.

The Strom Law Firm Defends Wire Fraud and Other Federal Charges

The Strom Law Firm, LLC has the experience that you need to defend your wire fraud charge. Our experience and familiarity with prosecutorial techniques provide the basis for experienced and effective legal representation. We will fight hard to have your charges reduced, or even dismissed. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss the facts of your case as well the most effective way to proceed with your case. 803.252.4800