NORTHPORT, NEW YORK MAN INDICTED FOR WIRE FRAUD AND MONEY LAUNDERING

Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced today that on June 12, 2023, a federal indictment was unsealed charging Charles T. Lawrence (49), a Northpoint, New York resident with wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343, and money laundering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1956 and 1957. 

According to filed court documents, between January 2022 and March 2023, Lawrence engaged in a scheme to defraud individuals with false and fraudulent promises and representations regarding their investment of funds. Instead of using these individuals’ funds as represented, Lawrence is alleged to have used the money to pay personal expenses and repay prior victims. If convicted of these offenses, Lawrence faces a maximum penalty of twenty years in prison, fines up to $500,000 or twice the value of the laundered funds, and up to three years of supervised release.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of the Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Julie F. Stewart will prosecute this case.

Separately, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced, on May 11, 2023, that it filed a civil lawsuit against Lawrence, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. The SEC alleges that Lawrence violated securities laws by defrauding investors.  The case is United States Securities and Exchange Commission v. Lawrence, et al., Case No. 23-CV-550.

The public is cautioned that an indictment or criminal complaint is merely a charge and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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For Additional Information Contact:

Public Information Officer

Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov

414-297-1700

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