John Suhan, Structuring Transactions, Pennsylvania 2006

In a shocking move, 48-year-old Lemont native John Suhan has been charged with structuring transactions to evade federal reporting requirements. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced the filing of a one-count Information charging Suhan with the offense, which carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.

According to the Information, Suhan received a sum of cash totaling approximately $372,321 generated from a family business in January 2006. A relative of Suhan’s wife allegedly told him that he would have serious problems and would get in trouble with governmental authorities if he were to make any bank deposits with the money which exceeded $10,000.

Instead of making a single deposit over $10,000, Suhan allegedly made in excess of 200 separate deposits of the cash hoard totaling $352,740.02 at the main and branch office locations of Penn State Federal Credit Union and SPE Credit Union where he maintained accounts.

He kept $3,180 in currency inside a safe at his residence, which FBI agents seized. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and prosecution has been assigned to Assistant United States Attorney George J. Rocktashel.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania emphasized that indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

A sentence following a finding of guilty is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. The case highlights the importance of adhering to federal reporting requirements and the consequences of structuring transactions to evade these requirements.

Related Federal Cases