Don Manuel Zemo, Jr., Mail Fraud, Louisiana 2018

A River Ridge man has been brought to justice after stealing over $1 million from his employer.

Don Manuel Zemo, Jr., 55, pleaded guilty yesterday before United States District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle to conspiracy to commit mail fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.

Zemo worked as the General Manager of Port Operations for a privately owned and operated company that provided portside services as a terminal operator and stevedore at the Port of New Orleans.

Between 2003 and 2015, Zemo earned in excess of $100,000 per year for his employment. During this time, he diverted approximately $1,033,639.54 over the course of eighty (80) transactions from his employer to himself and USGT, a company he had formed in August 2009.

Zemo used his position to represent that USGT, and not his employer, had provided certain services and material to customers, and he directed customers to transmit payments to USGT, not his employer, for the services rendered and material provided, without his employer’s knowledge or authorization.

Zemo faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, three years supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment. Sentencing before Judge Lemelle has been scheduled for August 29, 2018.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations in bringing Zemo to justice.

Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg is in charge of the prosecution.

Defendant: Don Manuel Zemo, Jr.

Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to commit mail fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371

City and State: River Ridge, Louisiana

Exact Date: August 29, 2018 (sentencing date)

Sentence or Outcome: Pleaded guilty, awaiting sentencing

Dollar Amounts: $1,033,639.54 (amount stolen)

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/pr/river-ridge-man-pleads-guilty-stealing-over-1000000-employer