In Springfield, Massachusetts, a woman was charged with embezzling about $325,000 from a retirement community in which she managed. According to prosecutors, Alice Lacroix managed the Bluebird Estates from 2011 to 2013. During that time, she took tenants' rent checks and other miscellaneous funds and property that belonged to her employer and deposited the money into a bank account. However, the bank account that she established was in the retirement home's name-but without the knowledge or authorization of her employer. Lacroix covered up her transactions to deceive her employer.
She pleaded guilty in federal court to multiple counts of wire fraud, filing false tax returns and money laundering. The judge sentenced her to more than four years in prison and three years of probation, as well as ordered her to pay restitution. Under the statute for each count of wire fraud the maximum sentence is 20 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. For each count of money laundering the maximum sentence is 20 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release and a $500,000 fine. Under the statue for each count of filing false tax returns the maximum sentence is three years in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release.
Similar to this case, schemes tend to be perpetrated against the elderly. For example, fraud schemes occur in nursing homes, retirement homes, churches and charity organizations. The elderly oftentimes are victims, because they are unsuspecting. As with the Lacroix case, the scheme continued for two years without arousing suspicion or knowledge. In cases such as this one, it is common to see an administrator or manager take advantage of her or his position and create unauthorized bank accounts in which to funnel money. The elderly are an easy target, because they are focused on daily activities and health. Also, the scheme can be elaborate and well-done; for instance, if Lacroix somehow ensured that the rent checks were deposited on a monthly basis, it is hard to suspect a scheme.
Brad Bailey is a federal white collar crime lawyer who understands the serious federal charges such money laundering, wire fraud and tax evasion laws. If you are accused of any of these federal crimes, it is best to contact Brad Bailey who will fight for your freedom and rights. With Brad Bailey's years of expertise, both as a federal prosecutor and federal criminal defense lawyer, he can use creativity and out-of-the-box thinking to defend your case. Please contact Brad Bailey, federal crime lawyer, immediately for a confidential and free phone consultation.