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Dealer of Human Body Parts Pleads to Mail and Wire Fraud

Posted by Joseph D. Lento | Jun 27, 2024 | 0 Comments

An Arkansas mortician pleaded guilty in 2024 to multiple counts of wire and tax fraud after attempting to sell human body parts to an "oddity" dealer in Pennsylvania. Federal authorities charged the mortician with mail fraud, wire fraud, and transportation of stolen property after she attempted to sell body parts donated to an anatomical gift program. The link between mail or wire fraud and the selling of human body parts may seem odd, but fraud covers a wide range of "white color" crimes.

If you find yourself facing charges for fraud or other 'white-collar' crimes, it is crucial to understand the gravity of the situation. The LLF Law Firm is here to provide a robust and knowledgeable defense. These charges carry significant potential penalties, and prosecutors may charge many duplicative counts for a single type of conduct. Remember, it's important not to succumb to panic. Let us handle the legal complexities and defend your name and freedom. Contact the LLF Law Firm at 888-535-3686 or submit your details online, and we will promptly contact you.

White Collar Crimes and Fraud

"White-collar" crimes typically refer to nonviolent offenses involving alleged financial misconduct or fraud. Prosecutors will often charge this alleged misconduct under mail or wire fraud laws. Mail fraud and wire fraud are federal crimes with two essential elements:

  • The defendant has a plan to defraud someone.
  • The defendant uses the US mail system (for mail fraud) or wire communications (for wire fraud) to further the plan.

Mail and wire fraud can apply to a range of alleged misconduct, including consumer fraud, stock or securities fraud, bribery or kickbacks, scams involving elderly victims, or insurance fraud.

Pennsylvania law also covers a variety of "white collar” or fraud crimes, including:

  • Credit card fraud
  • Embezzlement
  • Bad checks
  • Forgery
  • Insurance fraud

Whether charged as a federal or state crime, fraud charges often involve lengthy prison sentences and large fines.

Potential Penalties for Fraud Crimes

Federal mail and wire fraud are punishable by up to 20 years in prison and significant fines. If the fraud is against a bank, the penalty may climb to 30 years and up to a million dollars in fines. Even if you are not charged federally, Pennsylvania law provides fraud penalties up to a second-degree felony with a prison term of up to 10 years and a $25,000 fine.

Defenses to Fraud Crimes

If you are charged with fraud, you have many possible defenses, including:

  • Lack of Intent
  • Mistake
  • Statute of Limitations
  • Puffery, or use of exaggeration to sell a product.

Additionally, the defendant may claim that the alleged fraud resulted from reckless business practice rather than an attempt to defraud.

How the LLF Law Firm Can Help

Anyone facing fraud or other white-collar criminal charges needs an experienced team on their side. Fraud charges can be used in many contexts, often with potential penalties disproportionate to the alleged conduct. The LLF Law Firm is an experienced team that will fight for your freedom and reputation. Call us at 888-535-3686 or submit your details online, and we will promptly contact you.

About the Author

Joseph D. Lento

"I pride myself on having heart and driving hard to get results!" Attorney Joseph D. Lento passionately fights for the futures of his clients in criminal courtrooms in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania as well as in New Jersey and nationwide. He does not settle for the easiest outcome, and instead prioritizes his clients' needs and well-being. With unparalleled experience occupying several roles in the criminal justice system outside of being an attorney, Joseph D. Lento can give you valuable behind-the-scenes insight as to what is happening during all phases of the legal process. Joseph D. Lento is licensed in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, and is admitted pro hac vice as needed nationwide. In the courtroom and in life, attorney Joseph D. Lento stands up when the bell rings!

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The LLF Law Firm Team has decades of experience successfully resolving clients' criminal charges in Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania counties. If you are having any uncertainties about what the future may hold for you or a loved one, contact the LLF Law Firm today! Our Criminal Defense Team will go above and beyond the needs of any client, and will fight until the final bell rings.

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