Benjamin Butler, Wire Fraud, Pennsylvania 2021

Wire Fraud Lands Williamsport Man Behind Bars

A Williamsport man has been sentenced to one day in prison for his role in a brazen wire fraud scheme.

Benjamin Butler, 33, was handed the sentence by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann on August 2, 2021. In addition to his one-day prison stint, Butler was sentenced to two years of supervised release, including four months of home confinement.

Butler was also ordered to pay $18,850 in restitution, a sum that reflects the full extent of his ill-gotten gains. According to Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Butler engaged in a kiting scheme in September and October of 2015.

During this time, Butler used multiple credit accounts to fraudulently pay off $18,850 of credit card charges. The scheme involved using the temporary credit on one card to pay off another account, even though he did not have the funds to ultimately cover such a payment.

The charges against Butler stem from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Office of the Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur prosecuted the case.

Butler’s sentence serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of engaging in financial crimes. Wire fraud is a serious offense that can have devastating consequences for victims.

As the investigation into Butler’s activities reveals, kiting schemes can have far-reaching consequences, leaving financial ruin in their wake. The case stands as a testament to the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania will continue to work tirelessly to bring perpetrators of financial crimes to justice. In this instance, Butler’s one-day prison sentence serves as a reminder that the punishment for wire fraud can be severe.

In conclusion, Benjamin Butler’s sentence for wire fraud serves as a stark warning to those who would engage in similar activities. The consequences of financial crimes can be severe, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work to bring perpetrators to justice.

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