A Pittsburgh business owner is facing federal charges for allegedly running a scheme to defraud customers of his snow and ice removal business in 2019. Charles W. Lantzman, 50, is accused of padding bills with charges for services that were not performed.
The nine-count indictment, unsealed in a Pittsburgh federal court, names Lantzman as the sole defendant. He faces six counts of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain to any person or loss to any person other than the defendant.
Lantzman is also charged with three counts of money laundering, occurring between December 2018 and March 2019. Each of the money laundering counts carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a potential fine.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and United States Postal Inspection Service.
An indictment is an accusation, and Lantzman is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The sentencing guidelines will determine the actual sentence imposed, based on the seriousness of the offenses and Lantzman’s prior criminal history, if any.
Lantzman’s snow and ice removal business, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced, was allegedly the site of the fraudulent activities. The indictment does not specify the exact amount of money involved in the scheme.
Lantzman is scheduled to appear in federal court for arraignment. The case is ongoing, and further information will be released as it becomes available.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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