Related Federal Cases
- Jeffrey Phares, Cemetery Fraud, West Virginia, 2023 · New Jersey
- Sark Wire Corporation, PPP Fraud, Albany NY, 2023 · New York
- Jeffrey Phares, Wire Fraud Scheme, Fayetteville WV, 2023 · West Virginia
- Jeffrey Phares, Wire Fraud, WHEELING WV, 2023 · West Virginia
- William Frazier Sentenced to 51 Months for Wire Fraud, Midland GA, … · Georgia
Virginia Businessman Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud, Bankruptcy Charges
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA — Michael Wayne Harding, a 59-year-old businessman and former commercial real estate agent, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and bankruptcy fraud charges in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Charlottesville.
According to the guilty plea, Harding defrauded investors and mortgage companies to sustain his lavish lifestyle. He repeatedly lied to his clients, banks, and courts of law, obtaining more than $2 million for his personal use.
Harding’s schemes involved falsifying documents to secure mortgages and failing to comply with bankruptcy proceedings. He created fake invoices to secure mortgages and converted funds intended for contractors into his own personal use.
During his bankruptcy proceedings, Harding filed false Monthly Operating Reports, failed to deposit all income into his Debtor-in-Possession account, and lied about forging signatures on releases, liens, and deeds of trust.
The investigation into Harding’s crimes was conducted by the Albemarle County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, the Virginia State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the Office of the United States Trustee.
Harding’s guilty plea is a result of the investigative work of law enforcement partners, representing a unified effort to investigate those who choose to circumvent the law. United States Attorney Timothy J. Heaphy praised the investigation and said that Harding’s lies have come to an end in federal court.
Sentencing for Harding is scheduled to take place at a later date. He faces up to 20 years in prison for each count, with the possibility of a fine and restitution. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorneys Matt Quatrara, Elliott Casey, and Assistant United States Attorney Ronald Huber.
Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News