Our Videos
October 25, 11

NEWS / Three Guilty of Laundering Money Embezzled from Sherwin Alumina


CORPUS CHRISTI, TX—Richard Lopez, 43, Benjamin Martinez, 74, and Toby Clarkson, 39, have all pleaded guilty to federal money laundering charges related to an embezzlement scheme at Sherwin Alumina Company, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today. At a hearing before United States District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos held yesterday morning, Lopez, Martinez and Clarkson admitted they worked together to launder funds embezzled from Sherwin Alumina.

The investigation began when Sherwin Alumina became aware that Lopez, one of Sherwin Alumina’s warehouse managers, had colluded with two of Sherwin’s vendors, Clarkson and Martinez, in a fraud scheme which caused Sherwin Alumina to mail payments for materials that were never actually delivered. Agents with the FBI and the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI) were able to determine that the proceeds of the fraud were laundered as they were transferred among the participants in a series of monetary transactions. The federal indictment, returned Sept. 14, 2011, alleged 14 monetary transactions each in excess of $10,000, occurring between Feb. 12, 2007, and Nov. 26, 2007. At yesterday’s hearing, Lopez, Martinez and Clarkson each pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering related to a specific monetary transaction occurring on Nov. 26, 2007.

Lopez, Martinez and Clarkson each face up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000—or twice the value of the criminally derived property. Following any sentence of incarceration each would additionally be assessed a period of up to three years of supervised release. The defendants have already paid restitution to Sherwin Alumina totaling more than $285,000.

Lopez, Martinez, and Clarkson have all been allowed to remain on bond pending the sentencing hearing, set for Jan. 23, 2012, at 9:00 a.m.

The case was investigated by agents of the FBI and the IRS-CI. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. Thorpe Jr.

http://www.fbi.gov/houston/press-releases/2011/three-guilty-of-laundering-money-embezzled-from-sherwin-alumina

Tags: criminal investigation,
 




Testimonials

John Beacleay

Just wanted to say thanks again for all your help Anton. I mean it's really amazing to me that yo...
Read More »
Niranjan Sujay
I recently used LOGOS INTERNATIONAL for the translation of my bachelor’s certificate, and I couldn’t...
Read More »
Katia Nagata

As a foreigner, I needed a certified translation, so I called the DOE to give me a list of the ce...
Read More »
AnnaMaria Realbuto
Thank you for all your assistance and efficiency...
Read More »

FAQ

What if I am searching for a job?
Read More »
Does that mean a corporation can e-file a 52-53 week, short period, or final Tax Year 2008 1120/1120S income tax return?
Read More »
If I want to sell my own work, do I need a license?
Read More »
What if I did not receive an economic stimulus payment?
Read More »


News

July 3, 25
TX woman arrested after convincing pastor to certify fake marriage certificate
Read More »
July 1, 25
South Carolina woman accused of altering sister’s death certificate to commit insurance fraud
Read More »
June 26, 25
Jefferson Davis Hospital birth certificate errors persist; causing headaches for many
Read More »
June 19, 25
Iowa man whose body was found after home explosion died of suicide – death certificate
Read More »