Phillip Richard Peterson, Theft and Wire Fraud, Florida 2018

Fort Lauderdale, FL - A City of Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation employee has pleaded guilty to theft and wire fraud charges in a scheme that netted the perpetrator thousands of dollars in stolen goods and unjustly obtained payments.

The case against Phillip Richard Peterson, 42, of Coral Springs, began unfolding in 2013 when he used a City-issued credit card to purchase items, which he then sold to a local pawn store. Over the course of four years, Peterson sold more than $20,000 worth of merchandise in this manner, amassing a tidy profit for himself.

But that wasn't all - Peterson also used his position to charge the City of Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation for volleyball court repairs and other items that were not completed or provided. In a scheme that would make even the most seasoned con artist blush, Peterson paid co-defendant Gino Joseph Ferraro approximately half of the amount that had been charged, leaving Ferraro to reap the benefits of Peterson's illicit activities.

According to court documents, Peterson faced six counts of theft from a program receiving federal funds and conspiracy to commit wire fraud, each carrying a maximum statutory sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Ferraro, on the other hand, faced one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, also carrying a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Both defendants are scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Beth Bloom on March 1, 2019, and face a combined maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and $500,000 in fines.

The case was investigated by the FBI and the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, with the assistance of U.S. Attorney Ariana Fajardo Orshan and her team.

The City of Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation Department has launched an internal investigation into the matter, and it is unclear at this time how widespread the corruption may have been.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of government accountability and the need for strong internal controls to prevent such schemes from taking place.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/city-fort-lauderdale-department-parks-and-recreation-employee-pleads-guilty