ATLANTA, GA – A sprawling criminal enterprise that bilked individuals and companies out of over $30 million has resulted in the sentencing of more than three dozen defendants, federal authorities announced this week. The operation, based in Atlanta, utilized a sophisticated network of fraud schemes including business email compromise (BEC), romance scams, and the theft of retirement funds, leaving a trail of financial ruin for victims across the United States.
The scope of the fraud is staggering. Prosecutors detailed how the defendants systematically targeted unsuspecting individuals and corporations, diverting funds into a complex web of personal and business accounts designed to launder the stolen money. The schemes preyed on vulnerability, exploiting trust in both professional and personal relationships. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia has been investigating the case for over four years, a testament to the complexity of untangling the financial threads of the conspiracy.
“The Department of Justice has tirelessly worked for more than four years to obtain justice for dozens of victims impacted by this brazen criminal organization,” stated U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “The defendants’ sentences should serve as a stark warning to others that fraud and money laundering crimes are top priorities for this office and our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners.” The investigation involved the coordinated efforts of the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Secret Service.
Among those sentenced, Joshua Roberts, also known as “Onyx,” 32, of Houston, Texas, received eight years and one month in custody, followed by three years of supervised release. Roberts was also ordered to pay $9,675,739.73 in restitution to the victims. He was sentenced on August 10, 2022, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on March 29, 2022. Investigators say Roberts played a key role in moving the illicit funds, facilitating the laundering process that allowed the criminals to enjoy the fruits of their deception.
Another defendant, Darius Sowah Okang, also known as “Michael J. Casey,” “Richard Resser,” “Thomas Vaden,” “Michael Lawson,” “Matthew Reddingt” (full sentencing details not provided in the source material), is also among those sentenced for their involvement. Authorities highlighted the particularly egregious nature of the theft from ERISA-covered employee benefit plans, noting that the defendants stole from the retirement savings of hardworking Americans. Mathew Broadhurst, Special Agent-in-Charge, Southeast Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, stated the agency will continue to work with partners to protect the integrity of employee benefit plans.
“These fraud scams, although not violent, are not victimless and can be devastating to businesses and individuals who fall prey to them,” said Keri Fairly, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The sentencing of all these individuals shows the FBI’s dedication to working with our partners to hold anyone accountable who would steal from hard working and honest individuals, rather than put in the work themselves.” The U.S. Secret Service, through its Atlanta Field Office, emphasized its commitment to protecting the nation’s financial systems, with Special Agent in Charge Steven R. Baisel stating the sentencing “illustrates the Secret Service’s dedication.” U.S. District Judge William M. Ray, II, handed down the sentences in the case.
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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