LEWIS A. LACEY, Bankruptcy Fraud, Illinois 2023

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Table of Contents

Bankruptcy Fraud Schemes Exposed in Dolton

CHICAGO — A shocking case of bankruptcy fraud has come to light in Dolton, Illinois, where a police officer has been charged with concealing assets and income from creditors.

According to federal authorities, LEWIS A. LACEY, 61, of Matteson, Illinois, has been indicted on nine counts of bankruptcy fraud, making false statements, and perjury. The indictment alleges that Lacey engaged in a scheme to conceal assets and income from creditors, preventing payment of a $43,000 settlement in a lawsuit from 2017.

The indictment, returned in U.S. District Court in Chicago, charges Lacey with making several materially false and fraudulent representations in oral statements and documents submitted in bankruptcy cases. These false representations allegedly allowed Lacey to calculate his monthly income for repayment of creditors as substantially less than it should have been.

The indictment also alleges that Lacey concealed bank accounts he controlled and falsely represented that he was separated from his spouse, who did not reside with him or contribute to his monthly income and mortgage.

Lacey, a police officer for the Dolton Police Department, faces a maximum sentence of 5 years in federal prison for each count. An arraignment has not yet been scheduled.

The case is part of an ongoing federal investigation, and the public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Lacey is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, where the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The indictment was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, along with other federal authorities. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason A. Julien and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Netols.

The case highlights the importance of transparency and honesty in financial dealings, particularly for public officials. The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.