Consummate Conman Sentenced for Defrauding Brillion Company
In a shocking case of deception, Neil A. Harkness, a 47-year-old man from Fairborn, Ohio, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for his role in defrauding a Brillion company out of a staggering sum of money.
The case unfolded in the Spring of 2017 when the Brillion Police Department received a complaint from Company A, a Brillion-based business, alleging that their employee, Neil A. Harkness, had submitted fake hotel and meal expense receipts, resulting in a loss of over $20,000 to the company.
Further investigation revealed that Harkness was also involved in the theft of Loctite, an industrial adhesive, while working as a sales representative for Company A in Ohio. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) took over the investigation due to the interstate nature of the alleged crimes.
Harkness was charged with multiple counts of wire fraud, interstate transportation of stolen property, and aggravated identity theft. However, pursuant to a plea agreement, he pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.
At the sentencing hearing, Chief Judge William C. Griesbach heard hours of testimony as to the amount of loss to Company A. Ultimately, Judge Griesbach determined that Harkness had defrauded the company of $23,239 by submitting fraudulent hotel receipts for reimbursement. He also found that Harkness stole $194,000 worth of Loctite, which he then sold on Ebay and other internet resale sites for his own enrichment.
Judge Griesbach called Harkness’ actions ‘serious’ and noted that he was the ‘consummate conman.’ He found a strong need to protect the public from Harkness and was convinced that without a term of imprisonment, the defendant would continue his fraudulent behavior. The judge rejected Harkness’ request for probation and ordered 3 years of Supervised Release.
Harkness was also ordered to pay restitution to his former employer in the amount of $219,057.14. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the severe consequences of fraudulent behavior.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Brillion Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
Mandatory Facts:
Defendant/Respondent: Neil A. Harkness
Criminal Charges: Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343 (wire fraud), multiple counts of wire fraud, interstate transportation of stolen property, and aggravated identity theft
City and State: Brillion, Wisconsin
Date: April 5, 2019
Sentence or Outcome: 24 months in federal prison, 3 years of Supervised Release, restitution of $219,057.14
Dollar Amounts: $23,239 (loss to Company A), $194,000 (stolen Loctite), $219,057.14 (restitution)
Key Facts
- State: Wisconsin
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
White Collar CrimeWhite Collar CrimeWhite Collar CrimeWhite Collar Crime