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Crime Spree: Patrick Charles Thomas, 56, of Cut Bank, Montana, Convicted of Fraud in Discrimination Class Action
In a shocking turn of events, the United States Attorney’s Office announced that it has obtained a summary judgment for fraud in the filing of a fraudulent claim in a nationwide class-action lawsuit in which Native American producers claimed discrimination in the handling of their agriculture loans by the Farm Services Agency (FSA) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
According to the lawsuit, Patrick Charles Thomas, a former Chairman of the Blackfeet Tribe and a rancher who operated near Cut Bank, made a fraudulent claim in the Keepseagle class action settlement, alleging that he had been discriminated against by the USDA. Thomas claimed that his loans were thrown away by the FSA representative on three occasions, but subsequent investigation revealed that this was a fabrication.
On April 18, 2013, Thomas was indicted by a federal Grand Jury for filing a false claim in the Keepseagle litigation, selling secured property, and making false statements with regard to his application for and receipt of federal agricultural loans.
However, the United States dismissed the Keepseagle count from the indictment on July 2, 2013, electing instead to pursue the fraud claim as a civil matter. Thomas pleaded guilty to selling property pledged as collateral to the FSA and was sentenced to a year and a day in prison in October 2013.
The United States seeks recovery and damages in the amount of $944,690.73, which includes the $314,896.91 award and forgiveness of debt Thomas received as a result of his false claim. The amount to be awarded to the government will be determined by a separate court order.
This case highlights the importance of accountability in government programs and the consequences of fraudulent behavior. The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to vigorously pursue those who seek to exploit these programs for personal gain.
Defendant/Respondent: Patrick Charles Thomas
Criminal Charges: Filing a False Claim in the Keepseagle Litigation, Selling Secured Property, Making False Statements with Regard to His Application for and Receipt of Federal Agricultural Loans
City and State: Cut Bank, Montana
Exact Date with Month/Day/Year: April 18, 2013 (indictment), October 2013 (sentencing)
Sentence or Outcome: 1 year and 1 day in prison
Dollar Amounts: $944,690.73 (amount sought by the United States), $314,896.91 (award and forgiveness of debt received by Thomas)
Key Facts
- State: Montana
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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