Knoxville resident pleads guilty to wire fraud and money laundering scheme

Knoxville, Tenn. – On November 25, 2019, Christina Erin Myers, 37, of Lenoir City, entered a guilty plea to one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee.

Myers faces a term of 20 years in prison, potential fines of up to $750,000, and the obligation of paying more than $405,000 in restitution to her victims.

As part of the plea agreement filed with the court, the defendant admitted to engaging in a scheme to defraud elderly individuals by diverting funds that victims had provided to her for the purchase of real estate from Tennessee Baptist Adult Homes, through marketing non-existent senior communities, and promoting fictitious investments opportunities.

On October 16, 2018, a six-count indictment, that included the aforementioned charges, was returned against Myers by a federal grand jury in Knoxville. This indictment was the result of an ongoing investigation by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Lenoir City Police Department and the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP).

Sentencing has been set for March 25, 2020, at 11:00 a.m., in United States District Court in Knoxville.

"Protecting our seniors has been and will continue to be a top priority of our office.  Working with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, we will investigate and build cases for successful prosecution of these individuals who choose to victimize some of our most vulnerable citizens.  I encourage everyone to speak out and tell someone in authority if they have been a victim of elder abuse or financial fraud.  Please do not remain silent,” added U.S. Attorney Overbey.  

Frank M. Dale, Jr., Assistant United States Attorney, represented the United States.

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