Related Federal Cases
- Texas Con Man Accused of $1M MRI Fraud · Kansas
- 16 Indicted in Texas Bank Fraud Ring: $1.3M Losses · Alabama
- Senior Fraud Workshop Alert: U.S. Attorney’s Office in Texas Targets Medicare Scams · Texas
- 31-Year-Old Texas Woman Pleads Guilty to Health Care Fraud · Texas
- Oklahoma Pipeline Fined $3.3M for Massive Jet Fuel Spill in Texas! · Alabama
Conroe Couple Pleads Guilty to Bankruptcy Fraud
A Conroe, Texas couple has pleaded guilty to bankruptcy fraud conspiracy in the Southern District of Texas, announced Eastern District of Texas Acting U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston.
Richard Kent Harris, 73, and Darlene Ann Riley, 59, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bankruptcy fraud today before U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Hoyt.
According to information presented in court, Harris and Riley embarked on a scheme to conceal their assets from creditors by making substantial charges on their credit card, withdrawing $67,000 from their joint checking account, and transferring their homestead interest to Riley.
Following Riley’s filing for divorce, a property settlement was entered into between Riley and Harris, awarding Riley all material assets of the marriage, including a 2004 Jaguar XK8, a 2007 beachcomber boat, a utility trailer, all of their furnishings, 43 paintings, jewelry, 2012 federal income tax refund, and half of his net federal pension.
Harris filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in the Southern District of Texas, claiming debts totaling $173,305.19 to various banks, credit cards, the home builder and other unsecured creditors, while failing to disclose the transfer of his homestead interest to Riley, the vehicle transfers, the sale of a truck for $5,500, and the $67,000 withdrawal from his joint account with Riley.
Under federal statutes, Harris and Riley face up to five years in federal prison at sentencing, which will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Eastern District of Texas Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher T. Tortorice and Paul Hable.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: White Collar Crime|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News