Thomas A. Kopec, Wire Fraud, Virginia 2015

Alexandria, Va. - Thomas A. Kopec, a 48-year-old man from New Lenox, Illinois, has been sentenced to 25 months in prison for his role in a wire fraud scheme that cheated a Panamanian investor out of $500,000.

U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis, III, handed down the sentence after Kopec pleaded guilty on December 11, 2015. As part of his plea agreement, Kopec was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release and pay $500,000 in restitution.

According to court documents, Kopec solicited $500,000 from the victim under the guise of investing in a securities vehicle and acquiring a bank. However, Kopec misappropriated the funds and spent them on personal and other expenses at retail establishments, including Best Buy, Wal-Mart, and the Apple Store.

The scheme began in Illinois but was relocated to the Eastern District of Virginia, where Kopec caused the issuance of interstate wires to obtain and misappropriate the victim's money.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kosta S. Stojilkovic prosecuted the case, and U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Dana J. Boente and FBI's Washington Field Office Assistant Director in Charge Paul M. Abbate announced the sentencing.

Kopec's scheme was uncovered, and he was brought to justice, thanks to the tireless efforts of law enforcement officials and prosecutors. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions and protecting investors from fraudulent schemes.

Defendant: Thomas A. Kopec

Criminal Charges: Wire Fraud

City and State: Alexandria, Virginia

Date: December 11, 2015 (plea agreement), February 2016 (sentencing)

Sentence: 25 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and $500,000 in restitution

Dollar Amount: $500,000

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edva/pr/illinois-man-sentenced-defrauding-foreign-investor-500000