Utah’s Joseph Lee Chatwin Found Guilty of Bank Fraud and Brandishing Firearm
Joseph Lee Chatwin, a 41-year-old resident of Salt Lake City, has pleaded guilty in federal court to bank fraud and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. The plea agreement stipulates a sentence of 12 years imprisonment followed by 60 months of supervised release.
Chatwin’s escapades began with a high-speed chase through Sandy, Murray, and West Valley City in August, leading to his arrest after brandishing a firearm at U.S. Marshals. The federal indictment against him included charges of access device fraud, aggravated identity theft, and possession of stolen mail.
Chatwin’s co-defendant, Shauntae Leah Stratton, was also apprehended in the stolen motorhome incident on July 17, 2012. Both attempted to flee but were recaptured shortly after. Chatwin’s final arrest came after a chase that ended with his tires being spiked by law enforcement.
The plea agreement reveals that Chatwin and Stratton stole a purse in May and later used the proceeds to purchase a motorhome worth $30,000. They utilized stolen personal information to open a bank account and secure a cashier’s check to finalize the sale. The fraudulent activity did not stop there; they also obtained funds from stolen checks for their own benefit.
Chatwin’s sentencing has been scheduled for June 3, with Stratton’s change of plea hearing set for March 5. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Salt Lake City, involving several law enforcement agencies.
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Key Facts
- State: Utah
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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