Janet Smith, Mail Fraud, Louisiana, 2023

Gretan Man Digs His Own Grave with 20-Year Mail Fraud Sentence

GRETNA, LA – Melvin Lewis II, a 53-year-old man from Gretna, Louisiana, was sentenced to 20 years behind bars for masterminding a brazen mail fraud scheme that left a trail of victims in its wake.

According to court records, Lewis devised a scheme to defraud various employees of an offshore services company in Harvey, Louisiana, where he was employed. The scheme involved sending ‘demand for payment’ letters to victims, followed by filing fraudulent liens against their personal real property if they refused to pay.

U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier handed down the 20-year sentence, ordering Lewis to serve 240 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. A restitution hearing has been scheduled for December 1, 2016, to determine the extent of the victims’ losses.

The scheme was brought to light by the tireless efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Special Agents, who worked tirelessly to unravel the complex web of deceit spun by Lewis.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gregory M. Kennedy and Jonathan L. Shih led the prosecution, bringing Lewis to justice for his heinous crimes.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite praised the FBI’s investigators, saying, ‘Their dedication and expertise were instrumental in securing this conviction and sentence.’

Lewis’s conviction marks a significant victory for the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI, demonstrating their commitment to holding accountable those who prey on the vulnerable.

The case serves as a stark reminder that mail fraud is a serious crime with severe consequences, and those who engage in such activities will be brought to justice.

In a statement, Polite said, ‘We will continue to work tirelessly to protect the people of this district from those who would seek to exploit them.’

Melvin Lewis II, 53, of Gretna, was convicted of 30 counts of mail fraud, a crime that carries severe penalties. His 20-year sentence is a testament to the FBI’s relentless pursuit of justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s commitment to protecting the public.