The federal government prosecutes cases of wire fraud. Although wire fraud can also happen over the airwaves, often, Tennessee residents who use the cables that allow for telephone and internet communication face these charges.
The scope of the law is broad. Basically, if a person is using these communication lines to try to misappropriate money or other goods or services, they could face a wire fraud charge in federal court.
As one example that has been in the news recently, the charge can turn retail theft into a major criminal case. A noted singer and his mother are facing time in federal prison after providing false banking information to several vendors of luxury items.
In essence, the pair is accused of convincing these stores to turn over luxury goods without payment since the banking information the pair provided to the vendors for a money wire were no good.
Under the law, both face 20 years in prison per count of wire fraud. They also face fines and will likely be ordered to make restitution.
The dollar value of the items the pair allegedly took is considerable. However, unlike other laws involving theft, the wire fraud statute does not have a minimum dollar amount.
In theory, in even using a phone to steal $1 is a felony offense that can lead to decades in prison.
Murfreesboro residents facing wire fraud charges should know their options
Like any other white collar federal offense, those in central Tennessee who are the target of a wire fraud investigation should take the matter seriously. This is true for financial professionals, insurance professionals or those who rely on their reputations to make a living.
While sometimes it is better to negotiate a plea bargain and move on, there are defenses available to wire fraud charges. Federal prosecutors are expected to prove their cases beyond a reasonable doubt, and they must follow all applicable laws when doing so.
A person accused of wire fraud should make sure they understand their rights and options.