PITTSBURGH – A former energy executive has been sentenced to 30 months in prison for his role in a complex gas royalty fraud scheme in Beaver County.
U.S. District Judge Davis S. Cercone handed down the sentence to Scott D. Hamilton, 38, of Baden, Pennsylvania, who was convicted of mail fraud.
According to court documents, Hamilton was the Manager for Land Records in the CNX Land Department and was responsible for overseeing CNX gas and oil lease interests.
Using his knowledge of the company’s internal workings, Hamilton created a shell company called PRH LLC and filed forged and fabricated assignments that transferred CNX’s rights to royalties to his company.
The scheme was uncovered after a drilling company inquired about the contact information for Kelly Hamilton, who appeared to be the current owner of the lease interests.
Hamilton attempted to avoid prosecution by offering to repay the stolen money, but ultimately made full restitution of $440,216.35 after pleading guilty.
U.S. Attorney David J. Hickton commended the U.S. Postal Inspection Service for their investigation, which led to the successful prosecution of Hamilton.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nelson P. Cohen prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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