Trio of Scammers Indicted on Wire Fraud Charges for Senior Citizen Scam

Three people have been indicted by federal prosecutors for a wire fraud scam that preyed on 18 senior citizens in West Virginia and elsewhere, causing them to lose $60,000 in just one week.

The 12-count wire fraud indictment was unsealed on Monday, January 6th. The suspects charged are Kacey K. Moise, 38, of Elmont, N.Y.; Charnita E. Ryland, 21, of Montgomery, MD.; and Sheray J. McKay, 21, of Suitland, Md. The wire fraud indictment accuses the suspects of preying on 18 elderly individuals between ages 70 and 95, pretending to be family members or clergy members. Once a relationship with the victim had been established, the indictment alleges that the suspects claimed they faced some sort of financial emergency, such as an arrest, and they needed money to be wired to them asap. The callers provided specific information about wiring the funds, sometimes pressuring the victim into making multiple wire transfers. The wire transfers were picked up in Maryland and New York, according to court documents.

“Scams to steal from older West Virginians are downright shameful,” Goodwin said. “Protecting our state’s senior citizens is one of my top priorities, and in 2014, we’re going to work harder than ever to catch criminals who cheat seniors.”

Each of the suspects faces up to 20 years in federal prison if found guilty of wire fraud.

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. Founded by former U.S. Attorney and assistant solicitor, Pete Strom, our experienced criminal  defense attorneys include a former public defender, and a former Assistant Attorney General and Richland County Assistant Solicitor, as well as a tax lawyer familiar with IRS investigations.  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