North Carolina Couple Charged in Coast Guard Kickback Scheme

A North Carolina couple is facing serious white collar crime charges after they allegedly received more than $100,000 in kickbacks for supporting a family member’s government contract. The white collar crime charges include theft of government money, conspiracy, wire fraud and money laundering.

According to law enforcement agencies, the North Carolina couple engaged in a complex kickback scheme that involved the Coast Guard. The woman was a Lt. in the contracting section of the Coast Guard.

While employed by the Coast Guard, she recommended the Coast Guard contract with her cousin’s repair company. Based on her contract suggestion, the company received the contract for Coast Guard repairs. The repair company managed by the woman’s cousin then gave more than $100,000 to the woman and her husband in alleged illegal kickbacks. The woman’s cousin also faces charged in connection with the fraud.

Federal and state fraud and money laundering charges are serious offenses. Penalties for a conviction of these charges often lead to substantial fines and years in prison. North Carolina and federal authorities aggressively target anyone believed to be committing a fraud involving government funds.

After a white collar crime charge, it is best to rely on a knowledgeable North Carolina criminal lawyer. An experienced lawyer can help to fight for the rights of anyone accused of fraud or government benefits fraud.

Source: The Republic “NC Couple Indicted in VA. in Coast Guard Contracting Scheme,” 6/9/2011