A Port Orange man has been caught in a web of deceit after pleading guilty to a scheme that defrauded the compensation fund established for victims of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
According to court documents, 54-year-old Robert Lee Craddock submitted a claim to BP and the Gulf Coast Claims Facility (GCCF) in April 2010, claiming that his businesses were affected by the oil spill. However, an investigation revealed that Craddock had crafted fictitious invoices to support his claim, resulting in BP and GCCF transmitting $117,700 to him.
The United States Secret Service investigated the case, which was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Embry J. Kidd. Craddock faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and is set to forfeit the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct as a money judgment in the amount of $117,700.
Craddock’s scheme was uncovered by the diligent work of the United States Secret Service, who brought his actions to light. Assistant United States Attorney Embry J. Kidd will now guide the case through the sentencing process.
This case is a stark reminder of the consequences of defrauding the system. The Deepwater Horizon oil spill was a tragic event that had far-reaching consequences for the people and businesses of the Gulf Coast. Robert Lee Craddock’s actions were a betrayal of the trust placed in him, and he will now face the consequences.
The sentencing date for Robert Lee Craddock has not yet been set. However, one thing is certain: justice will be served.
RELATED: Predator Caught
RELATED: 10,000 Deadly Fakes: Lawrence Man Admits Fentanyl Plea
Related Federal Cases
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- 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