Canadian National Sentenced to 50 Months’ Imprisonment for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud Against Elderly Victims

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Canadian national, Sebastian Chelemen, 38, was sentenced on July 11, 2024, to 50 months’ imprisonment to be followed by two years of supervised release, for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He was also ordered to pay $460,350 in restitution to his victims.

At the sentencing hearing, the government established that, between April 2023 and June 2023, Chelemen participated in a fraud scheme with co-conspirators operating in Canada who called elderly individuals throughout the United States portraying themselves as young loved ones who had been arrested and needed money for bond or a lawyer. Once a victim agreed to provide the funds for their loved one’s release from jail, Chelemen, acting as a bail bondsman/courier, arrived at their address for the purpose of picking up the funds. He then provided the victims with a receipt that included a “case number,” the amount of money provided, and the false name he used during the interaction. Ultimately, Chelemen personally obtained over $380,000 from the victims in multiple states directly and co-conspirators received another $78,000 from victims who mailed funds as part of the scheme. Members of the conspiracy also attempted to obtain at least an additional $290,000 from victims. When Chelemen was arrested in Sangamon County, he was found with over $138,000 in cash which he acknowledged he had recently received from numerous victims throughout the Central District of Illinois.

During the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Court Judge Sue E. Myerscough found Chelemen was responsible for over $750,000 in actual and attempted loss, that he had victimized vulnerable individuals as part of the scheme, and that the scheme was both sophisticated and most of it took place outside of the United States.

“This case is an excellent example of what can be accomplished when we, as a law enforcement community, work towards a common goal.” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanner K. Jacobs. “Victims of this terrible scheme were spread out across the country, and federal, state, and local agencies banded together to identify them and ensure that the victims’ voices were heard.”

“Elder fraud is a massive and growing problem that affects one of our most vulnerable age groups. It accounts for billions of dollars in losses and in many instances leaves victims financially and emotionally devastated.” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jermaine Deans. “This sentence demonstrates the commitment of the FBI and our law enforcement partners to relentlessly pursue and hold accountable those who seek to harm the elderly.”

Chelemen pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud on February 6, 2024. He was ordered detained on June 26, 2023, following his arrest by the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office on June 13, 2023. He has remained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since that time. The statutory penalties for conspiracy to commit wire fraud are up to twenty years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office along with the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, and Springfield Police Department investigated the matter with assistance from various law enforcement agencies throughout the country, including Virginia, Ohio, New York, and Wisconsin. Assistant United States Attorney Tanner K. Jacobs represented the government in the prosecution.

If a senior, or friend or relative of a senior, believes someone is at risk of imminent danger or financial exploitation, they should call 9-1-1. Reports of financial exploitation and abuse should be reported to the non-emergency number at the Springfield Police Department (217-788-8311.) The Adult Protective Services Hotline number to report elder fraud is 866 800-1409. Elder fraud may also be reported to the Illinois Attorney General’s Office at 800-243-5377. Internet-based fraud should be reported to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center IC3,  www.ic3.gov. Additional useful information about elder fraud and scams can be found at www.uspis.gov and www.ftc.gov.