Benedict T. Palen, Jr., Mail Fraud, Nebraska 2017

Colorado Man Sentenced for Mail Fraud in Nebraska

A Denver, Colorado man was sentenced for his role in a mail fraud scheme that targeted individuals in Nebraska and North Dakota.

Benedict T. Palen, Jr., 63, was sentenced to five years probation, 200 hours of community service, and $2,500 in restitution for his conviction on one count of mail fraud.

Palen, who operated Great Plains Farms, sold a John Deere tractor to an individual in Holdrege, Nebraska for $45,000 in September 2012. However, the tractor was already sold to a company in Florida in 2011 and had a lien against it.

Palen also sold a different John Deere tractor to an individual in Bertrand, Nebraska in November 2013, but failed to deliver it after receiving a down payment. This tractor was also previously sold to the same company in Florida.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case, which was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office.

The sentencing was handed down on May 5, 2017, by U.S. District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter.

Palen's scheme involved selling the same tractor to multiple individuals, claiming it was free and clear of liens, when in fact it had been previously sold and had outstanding liens.

The case is a reminder of the importance of verifying the authenticity of goods and services before making a purchase.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will continue to investigate and prosecute individuals who use the mail to commit fraud.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ne/pr/colorado-man-sentenced-mail-fraud