Valparaiso Man Hit with $123,523 Restitution for Wire Fraud Conviction

Hammond, IN – A Valparaiso man is facing the music for his role in a massive wire fraud scheme. Alan Jones, 55, has been sentenced to 12 months of probation and ordered to pay $123,523 in restitution after pleading guilty to federal mail fraud.

Jones, who worked for an environmental consulting company in Chesterton, was caught submitting fraudulent applications for reimbursement of costs that were never incurred. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) lost out on the funds due to Jones’s deceitful actions.

“Alan Jones’s scheme not only defrauded the state but also undermined the integrity of our trust fund intended for cleaning up leaks from underground storage tanks,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney M. Scott Proctor. “Our office is dedicated to holding such criminals accountable.”

Special Agent in Charge Allison Landsman echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of preserving environmental initiatives and thanked law enforcement professionals for their thorough investigation.

The investigation was a collaborative effort between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and IDEM. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin F. Wolff led the prosecution of Jones, ensuring justice was served for the misappropriation of state funds.

With this conviction, Jones has been reminded that fraud against government programs will not be tolerated in Indiana’s courts.

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