Grimy Times Exclusive:
A Philadelphia man has been charged with making false statements and stealing goods through a federal program meant to donate excess computer equipment to schools and educational nonprofit organizations.
According to a federal indictment, Benjamin Twiggs, 37, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, used a false document to state to the Department of Homeland Security that his organization was an IRS-recognized tax-exempt organization in October 2013, when he knew it was not.
The indictment charges that in January 2015, Twiggs transported in interstate commerce 96 computer monitors that he had taken by fraud from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, which had donated them through the Computers For Learning (CFL) program.
Twiggs faces a maximum possible statutory sentence of 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $500,000, a $200 special assessment, and forfeiture if convicted of the charges.
The case was investigated by the General Services Administration’s Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Abrams.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
In related news, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued a statement condemning the actions of those who would abuse the CFL program.
Twiggs’ organization and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office could not be reached for comment.
This is a developing story, and Grimy Times will provide updates as more information becomes available.
— Jane Doe and John Smith, Grimy Times
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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