Aaron Gillison, a 40-year-old contractor from Tuscola, Illinois, has been sentenced to a staggering one day in prison for his role in a massive bankruptcy fraud scheme in Central Illinois.
The sentencing took place on September 13, 2024 in the United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois, where Gillison pleaded guilty to giving a false oath or account in a bankruptcy proceeding, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 152(2).
Gillison’s downfall began when he came under scrutiny from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) after a series of complaints from Central Illinois homeowners to various local law enforcement agencies. One impacted homeowner even secured a civil judgment against Gillison and his company.
During the sentencing hearing, the government presented damning evidence that Gillison had falsified his financial records by claiming he had not used business funds for personal expenses. However, an FBI investigation uncovered that Gillison had transferred approximately $65,000 from his business account into his personal account, written nearly $22,000 in checks to himself from the business account, and spent over $10,000 in business funds on personal purchases, including fishing gear and outdoor equipment.
In handing down the sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Colin S. Bruce noted that Gillison had no prior criminal history, a fact that weighed in his favor. However, the judge also stated that Gillison would be able to pay the $76,995 restitution order while maintaining employment.
The maximum penalty for giving a false oath or account in a bankruptcy proceeding carries a sentence of up to five years in the Bureau of Prisons, a three-year term of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office, with assistance from several local law enforcement agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan Bertrand represented the United States in the prosecution.
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Key Facts
- State: Illinois
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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