Four defendants have pled guilty in federal court in connection with a multi-count indictment arising from their participation in a fraudulent telemarketing enterprise that often targeted elderly victims. The telemarketing enterprise sold false and fictitious business opportunities as part of a scheme that reached across the United States and Canada and generated in excess of $20,000,000 in sales. The Phoenix, Arizona based telemarketing enterprise operated under multiple business names and utilized multiple business entities over the course of the scheme, including Smart Business Pros LLC of Warson Woods, Missouri.
Jennifer Hansen, 35, of Phoenix, Arizona, pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud – sentencing has been set for November 21, 2017; and John Balleweg, 37, of Phoenix, Arizona, pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud – sentencing has been set for November 22, 2017.
In October 2016, nine individuals were indicted who live in the Phoenix, Arizona area. In February 2017, an additional ten individuals were indicted who live in Missouri, Kansas and Nevada as well as Phoenix, Arizona. In July 2017, one individual was indicted who lives in Phoenix, Arizona. In all, 20 individuals have been indicted for participating in the telemarketing enterprise.
Philip Hale, 37, of Brentwood, MO, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering; and Anthony Swiantek, 39, of Topeka, Kansas, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud on Tuesday, August 15 before United States District Judge John Ross. Sentencing has been set for November 21, 2017.
“We are committed to using our forensic accounting skills to help unravel complex fraud and money laundering schemes,” said Karl Stiften, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation. “Those who create elaborate schemes which have no purpose other than to victimize the community will be prosecuted.”
Conspiracy to commit money laundering, carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a fine or both.
Conspiracy to commit bank fraud carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, a fine or both. Conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with telemarketing carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a fine or both. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
This case is being investigated by the Office of the Arizona Attorney General, United States Postal Inspection Service, IRS Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of
Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Charles Birmingham and Gwendolyn Carroll are handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.