RICHMOND, Va. – A brazen internet scammer has been brought to justice after pleading guilty to a scheme that left five victims reeling with financial losses of at least $706,000.
Harlan Barry Cox, 24, of Richmond, Virginia, pleaded guilty to wire fraud charges in connection with the sale of fictitious online businesses.
Cox used aliases to misrepresent information about the businesses, including that they had generated millions of dollars in revenue.
He also fabricated statements from banks and payment processors to support his false claims of substantial revenue.
Interested buyers of the misrepresented businesses subsequently wired substantial down payments to accounts controlled by Cox.
Cox used the money for personal expenses and the upkeep of his lifestyle, including the purchase of a luxury Mercedes SUV and various trips to Miami, New York City, and Los Angeles.
According to court documents, Cox’s scheme was carried out between 2018 and 2019.
Cox is scheduled to be sentenced on March 1, 2022, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Avi Panth and Michael C. Moore are prosecuting the case.
Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin S. Elliker assisted with the prosecution.
Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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