Tampa, FL – In a shocking case of deceit, Josiah E. Hutton, a 60-year-old former bankruptcy attorney from Winter Haven, was sentenced to six months in federal prison, followed by six months of home confinement, for concealment of assets from a bankruptcy estate. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge James D. Whittemore on February 22, 2024.
Hutton was ordered to pay $93,255.27 in restitution to the victim of his offense, a staggering amount that highlights the gravity of his crime. The exact criminal charges against Hutton include concealment of assets from a bankruptcy estate, a serious offense that undermines the integrity of the bankruptcy system.
According to court documents, Hutton was retained to represent a debtor who was planning to file for bankruptcy. In anticipation of filing a bankruptcy petition, Hutton received a settlement check worth $93,255.27, which was property of the debtor’s bankruptcy estate. However, he failed to list the settlement check as an asset, thereby concealing the asset from creditors and the bankruptcy court.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The Office of United States Trustee, Tampa Division provided substantial investigative assistance. Special Assistant United States Attorney Chris Poor prosecuted the case, ensuring that justice was served.
The sentence handed down to Hutton serves as a warning to other attorneys and individuals who seek to exploit the bankruptcy system for personal gain. It is a stark reminder that the law will not tolerate such behavior and that those who engage in it will face severe consequences.
The prosecution of Hutton’s case is a testament to the commitment of law enforcement agencies and prosecutors to root out corruption and ensure that those who break the law are held accountable. In this case, justice has been served, and the victim of Hutton’s offense will receive the restitution they deserve.
Hutton’s case highlights the importance of maintaining the integrity of the bankruptcy system, which is designed to provide a fresh start for individuals and businesses in financial distress. By preventing the concealment of assets, the system ensures that all creditors are treated fairly and that the process works as intended.
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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