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Man Sentenced for Passing Forged Postal Notes in Wisconsin
A Ripon, Wisconsin man has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for passing forged postal notes. According to authorities, Robert James Zoellner, 52, acted as a middle-man for a West African counterfeiter.
Zoellner used ‘mystery shopper’ advertisements in newspapers and magazines to recruit unknowing individuals to cash hundreds of thousands of dollars in counterfeit postal notes and money orders. He would then wire the proceeds to his contact in Mali, West Africa.
The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security – Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble prosecuted the case.
On October 22, 2015, Chief United States District Judge William C. Griesbach sentenced Zoellner to 18 months in a federal prison. He was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release.
Chief Judge Griesbach noted the serious nature of the offense, Zoellner’s prior criminal record, and the need to deter others in the community from engaging in similar fraudulent behavior.
The charges against Zoellner included passing forged postal notes, in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Section 500.
Zoellner’s sentence is a result of his guilty plea to the single count of passing forged postal notes. The case is a reminder of the importance of being cautious when responding to unsolicited advertisements and the serious consequences of engaging in fraudulent activity.
Key Facts
- State: Wisconsin
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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