Eugene Joseph Drong, Wire Fraud, South Dakota 2014

A Sioux Falls man has been charged with 21 counts of wire fraud, according to the United States Attorney's Office.

Eugene Joseph Drong, a 71-year-old resident of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 9, 2014, for his alleged involvement in a wire fraud scheme.

Drong appeared in court on September 16, 2014, before U.S. Magistrate Judge John E. Simko, where he pleaded not guilty to the indictment.

The maximum penalty for wire fraud is up to 20 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The investigation into Drong's alleged activities is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuting the case.

Drong was released on bond pending trial, with a trial date yet to be set.

The charge of wire fraud is merely an accusation, and Drong is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/sioux-falls-man-indicted-wire-fraud