The U.S. Attorney's Office in Philadelphia charged an Upper Merion, Pennsylvania, headstone salesman with seven counts of wire fraud. Authorities say Gregory J. Stefan, Jr., 54, defrauded nearly 500 customers in Pennsylvania and New Jersey through his two businesses, “1843 LLC” and “Colonial Memorials,” which specialize in selling cemetery headstones. The indictment alleges that Stefan accepted over $1.5 million in up-front payments from grieving customers, promising custom headstone services that he never intended to deliver. Many of these transactions were processed through a server in Texas, adding to the federal nature of the charges. When customers inquired about their orders, Stefan either ignored them or provided false updates, claiming that the headstones were on their way. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) arrested him in Hackensack, New Jersey, and if convicted, Stefan faces a potential maximum sentence of 140 years in federal prison. The gravity of the charges against Stefan underscores the serious consequences of wire fraud. If you are facing similar allegations, it is crucial to have strong and aggressive legal representation. Contact the LLF Law Firm's Criminal Defense Team at 888.535.3686 or through our online form to build a strong defense against wire fraud charges and help navigate the complexities of federal investigations.

Federal Criminal Law and Wire Fraud Charges

Federal criminal law covers offenses that are prosecuted under federal jurisdiction, often involving crimes that cross state lines, occur on federal property, or target the federal government. Wire fraud, as seen in the case of Gregory Stefan, is a federal crime that involves using electronic communications to defraud someone for money, property, or services.

Wire fraud charges often involve sending false or misleading communications via email, phone, or other electronic means. In Stefan's case, the use of a server in Texas to process payments from customers in Pennsylvania and New Jersey solidified the federal nature of the charges. Federal crimes are typically prosecuted under Title 18 of the United States Code, which outlines various offenses, including wire fraud.

The FBI frequently leads investigations into federal crimes like wire fraud, but other agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may also be involved. The penalties for wire fraud can be severe, including lengthy prison sentences, hefty fines, and forfeiture of assets obtained through fraudulent activities.

If you are under investigation for wire fraud or any other federal crime, it is essential to understand your rights and the potential consequences. Speaking with an experienced federal criminal defense attorney can help you navigate the complexities of federal law and build a strong defense.

Why You Need the LLF Law Firm's Criminal Defense Team

Facing wire fraud charges is a serious matter that requires immediate and experienced legal representation. The LLF Law Firm's Criminal Defense Team has a proven track record of defending clients against federal charges, including wire fraud. Our team is dedicated to protecting your rights and providing the aggressive defense you need to achieve the best possible outcome.

Don't face these charges alone. Contact the LLF Law Firm's Criminal Defense Team today at 888.535.3686 or through our online form to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help defend your case.