BUFFALO, N.Y. – Joseph Stevens, 58, of Olean, New York, is looking at a return trip to the federal penitentiary after admitting he deliberately misled his probation officer. U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Stevens pleaded guilty to making a materially false statement – a move that could add significant time to a sentence he’s already served.
The case stems from Stevens’ prior conviction in Federal Court for bank fraud and tax evasion. Back in August 2018, he was sentenced to 33 months behind bars. Released in April 2020, Stevens began a period of supervised release, requiring monthly meetings with a U.S. Probation Officer and completion of detailed reports. But according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, Stevens wasn’t playing by the rules.
Between December 2020 and February 2021, Stevens repeatedly failed to disclose the existence of a Wells Fargo checking account he’d opened in October 2020. This wasn’t just an oversight; investigators discovered the account was used to funnel fraudulently obtained unemployment insurance benefits. A clear violation of his supervised release terms, and a potential pathway to revocation – and more prison time.
The investigation, a joint effort by the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General (Special Agent-in-Charge John Pias) and the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations – Labor Racketeering and Fraud (Special Agent-in-Charge Jonathan Mellone, New York Region), revealed a pattern of deception. Stevens attempted to conceal financial activity, likely hoping to avoid scrutiny and continue receiving benefits illegally.
A guilty plea doesn’t guarantee leniency. Stevens now faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison in addition to the time he’s already served, and a hefty $250,000 fine. The prosecution will likely argue for a substantial sentence, emphasizing Stevens’ history of financial crimes and his deliberate attempt to deceive the court system.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 27, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford. The Grimy Times will be there to report the outcome. This case serves as a stark reminder: even after serving time, a felon’s past can – and often does – come back to haunt them.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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