Birmingham, AL – In a shocking turn of events, Thomas L Hinson Jr., 70, was sentenced to eight years in prison for perpetrating a 9-year long scheme to defraud Strickland Trading Inc., a Shelby County scrap metal brokerage where he served as Chief Financial Officer.
According to court documents, Hinson, a certified public accountant in private practice, began working for Strickland Trading Inc. in 1991 and rose to the position of CFO in 2000. However, instead of using his position to protect the company’s assets, Hinson used his authority to embezzle millions of dollars from the company.
Between April 2007 and April 2016, Hinson deposited 225 checks totaling over $11.2 million into his personal account, Strickland Trading Company, LLC. He used the embezzled funds to pay personal expenses, purchase real estate, automobiles, and other assets for himself, his family, and friends.
The scheme was uncovered by the FBI, who investigated the case and worked with Assistant U.S. Attorney George Martin to bring Hinson to justice. U.S. District Court Judge Abdul K. Kallon sentenced Hinson to eight years in prison and ordered him to repay $10.9 million in restitution.
Hinson must report to prison on July 31 and will forfeit his interest in several properties in Huntsville, Birmingham, Virginia Beach, Lutz, and Sevierville. The company’s principals and employees suffered substantial financial hardship due to Hinson’s actions.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of white-collar crime and the importance of holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
Defendant: Thomas L Hinson Jr. (70)
Criminal Charges: Five counts of wire fraud
City and State: Birmingham, AL
Date: March (plea) and May (sentencing) 2023
Sentence: Eight years in prison, $10.9 million in restitution
Dollar Amount: $10.9 million
Related Federal Cases
- Tametria Conner Dantzler, Wire Fraud and Money Laundering, Alabama 2024 · Virginia
- William E. Grobes, IV, Wire Fraud and Money Laundering, Virginia 2016 · Kentucky
- Keisha L. Williams, Wire Fraud, Virginia 2024 · Kentucky
- Nader Elnegery, Mail and Wire Fraud, Virginia 2014 · Kentucky
- Christopher A. Montalbano, Bank Fraud, Alabama 2024 · Virginia
Key Facts
- State: Alabama
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
White Collar CrimeWhite Collar CrimeWhite Collar CrimeWhite Collar Crime