Natalie P. Cochran, Wire Fraud and Money Laundering, West Virginia 2020

BECKLEY, W.Va. – Natalie P. Cochran, 39, of Daniels, West Virginia, has confessed to a brazen scheme that swindled investors out of $2.5 million, federal prosecutors announced today. Cochran, a licensed pharmacist and owner of Technology Management Solutions (TMS) and Tactical Solutions Group (TSG), pled guilty to wire fraud and money laundering in federal court. The case reveals a calculated effort to line her pockets by fabricating a successful track record in government contracting.

According to court documents, Cochran preyed on at least eleven individuals, convincing them to pour funds into her companies under the false pretense of lucrative government contracts. Investors sent checks, cashier’s checks, and wire transfers, including a significant $511,920 wire transfer originating from North Carolina. But the contracts were a phantom, and the money wasn’t used for legitimate business expenses. Instead, Cochran diverted the funds to her personal and business accounts for lavish personal spending.

The spending spree included more than $37,500 dropped on a vintage 1965 Shelby Cobra, along with multiple other vehicles, jewelry, and countless purchases exceeding $10,000. Cochran even attempted to maintain the illusion of success by using funds from new investors to pay off earlier ones – a classic Ponzi scheme tactic. She admitted that at least one investor suffered significant financial hardship as a direct result of her deceit. The U.S. Attorney’s Office confirms Cochran agreed to forfeit assets including two pieces of real property, the classic car, and nearly $45,000 seized from her business’ bank account, as part of the plea deal.

“Today, Natalie Cochran admitted and pled guilty of committing the federal crimes of wire fraud and money laundering,” stated United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “This is a difficult day for Natalie Cochran. She could be sentenced to more than 11 years in prison and has agreed to forfeit a substantial amount of cash and assets. She also waived her right to appeal.” Stuart emphasized the priority of securing justice for victims and taxpayers in every case, and this agreement, he stated, accomplishes that goal.

The investigation, a collaborative effort between the West Virginia State Police, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG), uncovered the depth of Cochran’s fraud. She now faces a potential sentence of up to 135 months (11 years and 3 months) in prison when sentenced on January 4, 2021, before United States District Judge Frank W. Volk. Assistant United States Attorneys Kathleen Robeson and Greg McVey are prosecuting the case.

Cochran’s guilty plea marks a significant step towards accountability, but the financial wounds inflicted on her victims may linger. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has promised nearly $2.6 million in restitution, though recovering those funds may prove difficult. Court documents related to Case No. 5:19-cr-00247 are available on PACER, and further information can be found on the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia website.

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