A Hamilton man who admitted devising a years-long scheme that defrauded investors in Hamilton and Billings of more than $700,000 was sentenced today to five years of probation and ordered to pay $722,808 restitution, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
The defendant, Richard William Brooks, 78, pleaded guilty in January to wire fraud. Under the terms of a plea agreement, the government recommended a probationary sentence. The government requested an aggressive payment schedule for restitution because of Brooks’ available disposable income.
U.S District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court ordered Brooks to pay $722,808 restitution at the rate of $3,000 per month to two victims.
The government alleged in court documents that as far back as 2016, Brooks orchestrated a scheme to defraud individuals of significant sums of money. Contending that he fell “on hard times,” Brooks, often using third parties as intermediaries, claimed that his daughter-in-law was scheduled to receive a large inheritance but for legal and court costs that were required to release it.
Brooks deceptively assured multiple victims that if they provided him with money on an expedited timeline, he would return their funds in addition to a premium of between 25 percent and 100 percent. Brooks insisted his victims pay him in cash. When pressed by his victims about non-payment or supporting documentation, Brooks demurred or lied again.
One of Brooks’ victims told the court that he lost his business of 10 years and his life savings because of Brooks’ scheme. Another victim told the court that she had been subjected to threatening phone calls, was displaced from her home and forced to sell treasured antiques to survive because of Brooks.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno B. Baucus prosecuted the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.
“He did more than steal our money. He stole our peace,” the victim said.
Related Federal Cases
- Antonio Govea Figueroa, Wire Fraud, TX, 2023 · Texas
- Jeffry Hill Charged with Mail and Wire Fraud, Clovis CA, Not specified · Utah
- Wesley Michael Woodyard Pleads Guilty to $4.6M Wire Fraud · Texas
- Cameron Co. Deputies charged with Extortion & Wire Fraud · Texas
- Hamilton Man Pleads Guilty to SSDI Fraud · Washington
Key Facts
- State: Montana
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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