Related Federal Cases
Hobart Man Charged with Mail Fraud in Tax Sales Scam
A 49-year-old man from Hobart, Indiana, has been charged with mail fraud in connection with a tax sales scam that allowed him to obtain property without paying delinquent property taxes.
Sergio Gutierrez, of Hobart, Indiana, was charged by way of an Indictment with mail fraud, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tina L. Nommay. According to documents in this case, it is alleged that Sergio Gutierrez devised a scheme that began around or about May 2015 and continued through December 2019 to defraud the Lake County Auditor’s Office.
As part of the scheme, Gutierrez used other individuals to purchase properties through the Lake County Commissioners’ tax sales when he was prohibited from doing so. This allowed him to obtain property without paying delinquent property taxes. The scheme also involved the use of the United States Mail, in violation of the federal mail fraud statute.
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment is merely an allegation, and that all persons are presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty in court.
According to the indictment, the scheme allowed Gutierrez to obtain property without paying delinquent property taxes. If convicted, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the Judge after a consideration of federal statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Abizer Zanzi is prosecuting the case.
Defendant: Sergio Gutierrez, 49, of Hobart, Indiana
Criminal Charges: Mail Fraud
City and State: Hammond, Indiana
Exact Date: No specific date provided, but the scheme is alleged to have begun around May 2015 and continued through December 2019
Sentence or Outcome: Currently charged, not convicted
Case Investigating Agency: Federal Bureau of Investigation
Prosecutor: Assistant United States Attorney Abizer Zanzi
Case Status: Ongoing
Key Facts
- State: Indiana
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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