David Aaron Rockwell, Wire and Bank Fraud, Florida 2021

Former Financial Advisor Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Fraud

Fort Myers, Florida – In a shocking turn of events, U.S. District Judge John L. Badalamenti today sentenced David Aaron Rockwell (45, Cape Coral) to five years in federal prison for wire fraud and bank fraud. As part of his sentence, the court also entered a money judgment of $1,018,000, the proceeds of his wire and bank fraud.

Rockwell had pleaded guilty on January 14, 2021, marking a significant milestone in this high-profile case.

According to court documents, Rockwell, a financial advisor, managed investment and retirement accounts for his clients. Beginning in October 2017, Rockwell began to defraud clients and misappropriated his clients’ funds for his own purpose. Rockwell also defrauded a federally insured bank when he applied for two lines of credit, totaling $700,000, in the names of his clients, without their knowledge or permission. Rockwell forged the clients’ signatures on the loan applications and pledged the clients’ assets as collateral for the loans, all without their knowledge or authorization. Rockwell used the funds that he had obtained from the loans for his own use and benefit.

Furthermore, Rockwell persuaded another client to invest in low-income housing in Florida. However, once the client transferred approximately $400,000 to fund the investment, Rockwell used the money to pay his personal credit cards and to purchase a home. The brazen moves by Rockwell have left many in the community stunned and outraged.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.

The case against Rockwell serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of financial crimes. His actions have caused irreparable harm to his victims and demonstrate the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions.

The investigation and subsequent prosecution of Rockwell are a testament to the dedication of law enforcement agencies and prosecutors in bringing perpetrators of white-collar crimes to justice.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/former-financial-advisor-sentenced-five-years-prison-fraud