BECKLEY, W.Va. – Robert Martin, 67, was sentenced to five years of federal probation and ordered to pay $205,802.49 in restitution for fraudulent receipt of property from a debtor while serving as CEO of the West Virginia Courtesy Patrol.
Martin’s Citizens Conservation Corp (CCC) filed for bankruptcy after losing a multimillion-dollar state contract in 2018. Court documents show Martin paid himself without authorization during bankruptcy proceedings, depositing $50,000 into a different bank account and writing himself checks totaling $32,072.76.
In addition to the bankruptcy fraud, Martin admitted to CCC misspending $108,751.60 from the National Park Service (NPS). Despite entering a cooperative agreement with NPS to place interns at national parks, CCC used the funds for unallowable operating expenses following the loss of the state contract.
United States Attorney Will Thompson criticized Martin’s actions, stating he ‘abused a position of trust within bankruptcy proceedings.’ The Department of Justice praised the work of the FBI and DOI-OIG in the investigation.
Jennifer Douglas, 48, COO of CCC, pleaded guilty to theft from federal programs and awaits sentencing for her role in the NPS funding misapplication.
Martin paid $37,072.76 owed to the Bankruptcy Estate on June 13, 2024. The full amount of restitution is due by this date.
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Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
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