SANDUSKY, OH – A Sandusky family is facing federal charges after allegedly skimming over $1.8 million in cash from three local restaurants and attempting to hide it from authorities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio announced the indictment of five family members today, detailing a years-long scheme to evade financial reporting requirements and, ultimately, attempt to move funds overseas.
Indicted are: Haralambos Gonos, age 52; Andreas Gonos, age 28; Chris Gonos, age 31; Kryiakos Gonos, age 30, and Sofia Skoura, age 52. The indictment alleges a complex operation involving structuring cash deposits to avoid triggering Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs) – reports banks are required to file for transactions exceeding $10,000. According to the charges, the scheme ran from 2007 to 2009, utilizing cash generated from Dianna’s Deli, Dianna’s, and The Depot.
The government alleges the family didn’t stop at simply avoiding CTRs. Count two of the indictment focuses on Haralambos Gonos, accusing him of purchasing a 2007 Mercedes and a 2005 Porsche Cayenne between March 2010 and November 2011 using a combination of cash and multiple cashier’s checks – a tactic designed to further conceal the source of funds. This demonstrates a clear pattern of intentional financial deception, prosecutors claim.
But the alleged scheme extended beyond domestic purchases. Count three details accusations that Haralambos Gonos and Sofia Skoura conspired to smuggle more than $14,700 to Greece on or about January 31, 2013, where they reportedly maintain a residence. This attempt at international cash transfer suggests a deliberate effort to shield assets from U.S. authorities and potentially utilize the funds outside of the jurisdiction of American law enforcement.
“These defendants are accused of avoiding bank regulations,” stated Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. Denise Rocawich, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation, added, “It is IRS-CI’s responsibility when investigating financial institution fraud to focus on the flow of the money which ultimately leads us to the beneficiaries of this illegal activity.” The investigation involved the Internal Revenue Service, Department of Homeland Security, ICE Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Assistant United States Attorney Joseph R. Wilson is handling the case. It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is merely an accusation, and these defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. If convicted, sentencing will be determined by the Court based on individual factors, but will not exceed the statutory maximum. This is a developing story, and Grimy Times will continue to provide updates as they become available.
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Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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