BUFFALO, N.Y. – In a stunning turn of events, Joseph Stevens, 58, from Olean, NY, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford to making a materially false statement to a probation officer. The crime, which carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, stems from Stevens’ attempt to cover up his fraudulent activities.
Stevens was previously convicted in Federal Court for bank fraud and tax evasion, receiving a sentence of 33 months in prison in August 2018. His supervised release began in April 2020, requiring monthly meetings with a U.S. Probation Officer and submission of a monthly supervision report. However, between December 2020 and February 2021, Stevens failed to disclose the existence of a Wells Fargo checking account he opened in October 2020.
This account was used to defraudly obtain unemployment insurance benefits, further tarnishing his record. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango is handling this case, which was the result of an extensive investigation by the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of Labor.
The plea agreement comes after a thorough probe led by Special Agent-in-Charge John Pias of the Department of Homeland Security and Special Agent-in-Charge Jonathan Mellone of the U.S. Department of Labor. Sentencing for Stevens is scheduled for June 27, 2023, at 11:30 a.m.
Stevens’ deceitful actions not only endangered his own future but also disrupted the integrity of the legal system. His case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences faced by those who attempt to manipulate the justice process.
RELATED: Olean CPA Joseph Stevens Pleads Guilty to Bank Fraud
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
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