Federal authorities have charged a Michigan man with swindling over $2.3 million from Vineyards Development Corp in Naples, Florida. Alfred W. Lenz, 68, of Montague, Michigan, was indicted on three counts of wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count.
The indictment also notifies Lenz that the United States intends to forfeit a house in Montague, Michigan, and the contents of a Charles Schwab Retirement Account, which are alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offenses. The United States is seeking a money judgment in the amount of $2,380,465.11, the proceeds of the wire fraud scheme.
According to the indictment, Lenz was the Controller for the Vineyards Development Corporation (VDC) in Naples, Florida, from March 31, 2005 until April 27, 2012. Between January 11, 2007 and December 9, 2010, while employed as VDC Controller, Lenz allegedly embezzled $2,380,465.11 from VDC.
Lenz used the money to buy real estate and for other personal expenses. He used his position to hide eighty-seven $24,000 check payments, totaling $2,088,000, to an account which he controlled. Lenz made false entries in the VDC books and concealed the true nature of these check payments.
He also caused seven wire transfers, totaling $292,465.11, to be sent from VDC’s bank account, into a bank account that he controlled.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, Economic Crimes Unit, with assistance from the Office of the State Attorney, Twentieth Judicial Circuit. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David G. Lazarus.
Related Federal Cases
- Northern Michigan Woman Charged in $7.5 Million Wire Fraud Scheme · Illinois
- Florida Scammer Jailed 6.5 Years for Preying on Michigan Seniors · Michigan
- Florida Woman, Michigan Native Sentenced to Prison for Targeting Seniors with Multimillion-Dollar Fraud Scheme · Michigan
- Michigan Man Jailed for 20 Years in Child Sex Abuse Case · Michigan
- Naples Man Jailed for Stolen Identity Scheme · Michigan
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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