A 73-year-old Cedar Rapids man has been ordered held without bond pending sentencing for his role in a massive export scam.
According to court documents, William B. Aossey, Jr., the founder of Midamar Corporation and Islamic Services of America, both of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted by a federal jury on July 13, 2015, of 15 counts of conspiracy, making false statements on export certificates, and wire fraud.
Aossey was initially granted pretrial release but failed to notify his probation officer of contact with law enforcement, violating the terms of his supervision. The court also noted that Aossey’s ties to the illegal firearms shipments to Lebanon remain under investigation.
In a written order filed today, Chief United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade found that Aossey ‘must remain detained pending sentencing because he has not established by clear and convincing evidence that he is not likely to flee if released under suitable conditions.’
Aossey’s sentencing date has not yet been set. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard L. Murphy and was investigated by the Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General and the Internal Revenue Service.
The case file number is 14-CR-00116-LRR and can be accessed at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
Aossey’s conviction and detention are a significant blow to the Midamar Corporation and Islamic Services of America, highlighting the need for greater oversight and accountability in the export industry.
Defendant: William B. Aossey, Jr.
Criminal Charges: 15 counts of conspiracy, making false statements on export certificates, and wire fraud.
City and State: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Date: July 13, 2015
Sentence or Outcome: Held without bond pending sentencing.
Related Federal Cases
Key Facts
- State: Iowa
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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