PITTSBURGH – In a shocking case of financial deceit, Edward Claude Hammitt, 67, of Summerville, Ga., has pleaded guilty to a charge of wire fraud conspiracy in federal court, announced United States Attorney David J. Hickton today.
Hammitt, a resident of Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer. As part of his guilty plea, Hammitt agreed to accept and negotiate for cash fraudulently obtained IRS refund checks for tax years 2010 and 2011 from conspirators, which were obtained from a larger stolen identity refund fraud scheme.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Hammitt.
Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for September 29, 2014, at 9 a.m. Hammitt’s actions have left many in the community questioning the severity of the punishments for such crimes and the need for stricter laws to prevent financial deceit.
This case highlights the ongoing threat of financial crimes and the importance of vigilance in preventing such schemes. The Grimy Times will continue to monitor this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Related Federal Cases
- Jamel Ski Yates, Wire Fraud Conspiracy, Charlotte NC, 2023 · Pennsylvania
- Jay Byron Wright, Wire Fraud Conspiracy, GA 2024 · South Carolina
- Michael Mazar, Mail and Wire Fraud Conspiracy, Florida 2024 · Georgia
- Georgia Man Sentenced to 14 Years for Wire Fraud Scheme · Georgia
- Sark Wire Corporation, PPP Fraud, Albany NY, 2023 · Virginia
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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