Florida Man Led Seven-Year $2.99M Webhosting Scam

United States Attorney Jay Clayton announced today that Robert W. Lederhilger III, a 44-year-old from Bradenton, Florida, has been convicted of mail fraud following a one-week jury trial in the Southern District of New York.

Lederhilger, who operated under a years-long scam, was found guilty of defrauding tens of thousands of small businesses. He used fake invoices for webhosting services to bilk victims out of at least $2.99 million over more than seven years, according to the DOJ USAO.

Starting in 2015, Lederhilger’s scheme involved mailing millions of fraudulent invoices to businesses across the country, leading them to believe he was their current webhosting provider. Once payment was received, victims were left without service and only received renewal bills a year later, continuing the cycle of fraud.

The defendant, now facing up to 20 years in prison for one count of mail fraud, will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Andrew L. Carter. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Camille L. Fletcher, Getzel Berger, Kevin Grossinger, and Daniel G. Nessim handled the prosecution.

Clayton commended the U.S. Postal Inspection Service for their exceptional investigative work, while noting that this conviction sends a clear message: New Yorkers will not tolerate fraud, and those who victimize the public through lies will be held accountable.

This case is another reminder of the relentless pursuit of justice by the Office’s General Crimes Unit.

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