Cherie Anne Washburn, Wire Fraud, Mail Fraud, False Statement, Virginia 2023
Lynchburg, Va. - In a shocking turn of events, a former attorney has been indicted on federal wire fraud, mail fraud, and false statement charges. Cherie Anne Washburn, 44, of Lynchburg, Va., is accused of engaging in a scheme to defraud and obtain money or property by fraudulent pretenses, representations or promises from elder victims C.A. and D.F. between 2015 and 2018.
According to court documents, Washburn used the ill-gotten monies to enrich herself, including purchasing real estate and making donations to charities. The indictment alleges that Washburn wrote multiple checks from victim C.A.'s and victim D.F.'s accounts to herself for personal benefit, ranging in value from $4,200 to $40,000.
Additionally, the indictment alleges that Washburn attempted to improperly make herself the beneficiary of two investment accounts held by C.A. with a combined approximate value of $288,000. Throughout 2017, Washburn made charitable donations using money fraudulently obtained from victims C.A. and D.F. These donations were made without the consent of the victims.
In or around March 2018, Washburn purchased a residence in Lynchburg, Va., for approximately $219,000 using monies belonging to victim C.A. and a mortgage lender. In order to complete the purchase, on or about April 22, 2018, Washburn submitted a letter to Quicken Loans falsely stating that victim C.A. provided Washburn with a gift of $40,000 for the purchase of 111 Wyndsong Place. The gift letter also falsely stated that victim C.A. was Washburn's great-aunt. The next day Washburn deposited $45,000 from victim C.A.'s SunTrust Account to Washburn's Wells Fargo account.
The investigation of the case was conducted by Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lynchburg City Police Department. Acting United States Attorney Daniel P. Bubar, Assistant United States Attorney Michael Baudinet, and Special Assistant United States Attorney and Commonwealth Attorney for the City of Lynchburg Bethany Harrison are prosecuting the case for the United States.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Cherie Anne Washburn faces up to 30 years in federal prison if convicted of the charges.
Key Facts:
- Defendant: Cherie Anne Washburn
- Criminal Charges: Wire Fraud (10 counts), Mail Fraud, False Statement (2 counts)
- City and State: Lynchburg, Virginia
- Case Date: 2015-2018
- Sentence: Up to 30 years in federal prison
- Dollar Amounts: $4,200 to $40,000, $288,000, $219,000, $45,000
Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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