Husband of “Real Housewives of Atlanta” Star Pleads Guilty Federal Charges Including Bank and Wire Fraud

Apollo Nida, husband of “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Phaedra Parks, has pleaded guilty to several federal charges, including bank, wire, and mail fraud.

On Tuesday, May 6th, the 35-year-old pleaded guilty to federal charges after dodging questions about his indictment for a year. Last year, the US Attorney General’s Office alleged that Nida and several co-conspirators were part of a huge identity theft ring, cashing stolen US treasury checks, as well as checks from the Delta Airlines pension fund, then laundering $2.3 million through several bank accounts. The scheme stole the identities of more than 50 people over a span of 4 years.

Federal authorities also allege that Nida filed fake tax returns, and obtained bank loans against cars that he did not own.

“This defendant participated in a sweeping fraud scheme that exploited many segments of the financial system, including phony claims submitted to federal and state agencies, loans secured by vehicles, and even basic identity theft associated with stolen checks,” United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said in a statement.

“Nida and his conspirators were conniving and creative in their scheme to steal victims’ identities and defraud them. The United States Secret Service will continue to adapt its investigative methodologies to arrest criminals who use their technological savvy to violate unsuspecting victims such as those in this case,” said Reginald G. Moore, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Secret Service, Atlanta Field Office.

Nida will be sentenced for the federal charges in July. He faces up to 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine, not including restitution.

Wire Fraud and Tax Evasion Federal Charges in South Carolina

If you are under investigation, or have been arrested, for tax evasion your personal and professional livelihood are at stake.  The IRS can:

• seize your assets,
• freeze your bank accounts,
• shut down your business, and
• garnish your wages.

A conviction for tax evasion can result in jail time and staggering fines and penalties.  If you are under investigation, or have been arrested for federal tax evasion, is it critical that you contact an experienced federal tax attorney to help defend your case.  Don’t let a simple mistake made in good faith result in possible prison time or subject you to additional penalties.  We will fight aggressively to have your charges reduced or even dismissed.

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.

Specifc Wire Fraud Charges can include:

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

The Strom Law Firm Can Help Defend Federal Charges

If you, your loved one, or your corporation has been contacted by a law enforcement officer about federal charges, you should contact the Strom Law Firm, LLC immediately. The Strom Law Firm offers free, confidential consultations so you can discuss the facts of your case with impunity. Contact us today.803.252.4800