A federal jury in the Eastern District of Missouri has found Darrell Niswonger, a 43-year-old from Kansas City, guilty of mail and wire fraud. The defendant was charged with 21 counts of mail fraud and 12 counts of wire fraud.
The case was brought by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) after an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The evidence presented in court showed that Niswonger had used his position as a business owner to embezzle funds from his company and use them for personal gain.
According to court documents, Niswonger used his business to solicit investments from unsuspecting victims, promising them high returns on their investments. However, instead of using the funds to make investments, Niswonger used them to pay for personal expenses, including luxury items and travel.
The scheme, which lasted for several years, resulted in losses of over $1 million for the victims. The DOJ alleges that Niswonger used his business to defraud over 20 victims, many of whom were elderly or vulnerable.
Niswonger was arrested in 2024 and has been in custody since. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 15, 2026, and faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count of mail and wire fraud.
The conviction is a major blow to Niswonger, who had built a reputation as a successful business owner in the Kansas City area. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of due diligence and caution when investing in business ventures.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri commended the work of the FBI and the DOJ in bringing this case to justice. The office stated that the conviction sends a strong message that mail and wire fraud will not be tolerated in the Eastern District of Missouri.
Related Federal Cases
- Charles Hicks Pleads Guilty to Mail Fraud, Fenton MO, 2023 · Missouri
- Shawn Brown, Mail Fraud, MO 2017 · Missouri
- Albert Davis, Wire Fraud, Kansas City, MO, 2023 · Missouri
- Russell Hopkins, Securities Fraud Conspiracy, Kansas City MO, 2023 · Missouri
- Lisa Kaye Barwick-Majeski, Nigerian Fraud Scheme, MO, 2023 · Missouri
Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Federal Court
- Category: White Collar Crime|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source â†â€â€ÂÂÂ
ðŸâ€ÂÂÂÂ’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
All Federal Districts →All Districts →
