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Local Man Behind Bars for Money Laundering Scheme
In a shocking turn of events, 54-year-old John M. Trabert Jr. of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, has pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering in connection with a series of international fraud scams.
According to authorities, Trabert knowingly and unlawfully conspired with other individuals to commit money laundering by acting as a "money mule" – a person who, at someone else’s direction, receives and moves money obtained from victims of fraud – in a variety of romance, real estate, and gold scams.
The scheme, which spanned from January 2020 through March 2022 in the Western District of Pennsylvania, consisted of a co-conspirator outside of the United States directing victims to send funds to one of Trabert’s bank accounts. Trabert then conducted financial transactions using proceeds of the fraud scams at the direction of and in concert with his co-conspirator, with Trabert retaining a portion of each transaction as personal profit.
Trabert pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines on September 12, 2024. Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for January 14, 2025, with the law providing for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, or both.
Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The United States Secret Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Trabert.
Trabert’s guilty plea marks a significant blow to those involved in the money laundering scheme. The case highlights the importance of continued vigilance in combating financial crimes and protecting the public from fraud and money laundering.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania will continue to work tirelessly to bring those responsible for financial crimes to justice.
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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