SAN JOSE, California – A shocking case of bank fraud and tax evasion has been uncovered, involving a San Jose priest.
Hien Minh Nguyen, 55, a priest employed by the Diocese of San Jose, has been charged with 14 counts of bank fraud and 4 counts of tax evasion.
According to the indictment, Nguyen used his position as Director of the Vietnamese Catholic Center to embezzle funds from parishioners. Between 2005 and 2008, he requested donations from parishioners, which he then deposited into his personal bank account at Wells Fargo Bank.
The indictment alleges that Nguyen endorsed the checks with his signature under false pretenses, claiming that his employer authorized him to make such endorsements and deposits.
Nguyen’s scheme resulted in a loss of $337,516, $376,500, $335,456, and $93,012 in taxable income for the years 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011, respectively. This resulted in additional tax due of $349,952.00.
Nguyen’s arrest is a result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation.
Nguyen was arrested in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on April 18, 2015. His initial appearance was held in federal court in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on April 20, 2015.
Nguyen faces a maximum statutory sentence of 30 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000 for each count of bank fraud, and 5 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 for each count of tax evasion.
Mandatory Facts:
- Defendant: Hien Minh Nguyen
- Criminal Charges: 14 counts of bank fraud and 4 counts of tax evasion
- City and State: San Jose, California
- Date: 2005-2011
- Sentence: Up to 30 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000
- Dollar Amounts: $337,516, $376,500, $335,456, and $93,012 in taxable income
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- Cameron Pope, Bank Fraud and ID Theft, California 2023 · Florida
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- Cassandra Montrevel, Bank Fraud and Identity Theft, California 2011 · Florida
Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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