Florida Man Sentenced for Mail Fraud in Webhosting Scam

BRADENTON, FL — Robert W. Lederhilger III, a Florida man in his mid-40s, was sentenced to up to 20 years in prison after being convicted of mail fraud for running a massive webhosting scam that defrauded tens of thousands of small businesses across the United States.

Lederhilger operated companies under the guise of offering legitimate webhosting services, but instead mailed out over three million fake invoices between 2015 and 2021. His scheme targeted businesses with existing websites, leading them to believe he was their current provider. The defendant collected at least $2.99 million through this deceitful method.

“This conviction should serve as a stark reminder that New Yorkers will not stand for such frauds, and those who attempt to victimize the public will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Lederhilger’s scheme was both ambitious and cunning, but it has been dismantled.”

The trial, which lasted a week, resulted in a guilty verdict for Lederhilger on one count of mail fraud. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Camille L. Fletcher, Getzel Berger, Kevin Grossinger, and Daniel G. Nessim led the prosecution with Paralegal Specialists Christopher Harris and Alexandra LeBaron providing essential support.

U.S. District Judge Andrew L. Carter presided over the trial. The maximum sentence for mail fraud is a 20-year prison term, though the final determination will be made by the judge.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the case was handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit.

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