Raymond Calvin Smith, Mail Fraud, Indiana 2021

LaPorte Brothers Sentenced to Prison in Indiana Mail Fraud Scheme

SOUTH BEND – In a shocking turn of events, two brothers from LaPorte, Indiana, have been sentenced to prison for their involvement in a massive mail fraud scheme.

Raymond Calvin Smith, 27 years old, and Bruce Milik Smith, 25 years old, pleaded guilty to federal felony charges and were subsequently sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco.

The Smith brothers were accused of operating an elaborate fraud scheme using Indiana mobile sports wagering applications from January 2021 to December 2021. They used personal information of victims, including bank account numbers and passwords, to set up dozens of accounts in their names on at least 8 different sports wagering applications.

The brothers then funneled money from victims’ bank accounts to themselves, stealing a total of $723,832.64 from approximately 60 victims. They also attempted to steal an additional $930,782.00, although this attempt was unsuccessful.

Raymond Smith was sentenced to 70 months in prison and 2 years of supervised release. Bruce Smith, on the other hand, was sentenced to 39 months in prison and 2 years of supervised release. The brothers were ordered to pay $723,832.64 in restitution to the victims of their offense. Raymond Smith was also ordered to pay $162,928.62 in restitution to the IRS.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Indiana Gaming Commission. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Luke N. Reilander.

The sentences handed down to the Smith brothers serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of engaging in fraudulent activities. Their actions not only resulted in significant financial losses for their victims but also damaged the trust and integrity of the sports wagering industry.

As the investigation and prosecution of such cases continue, it is essential that individuals and businesses alike remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves from falling victim to similar schemes.

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