UNITED STATES ATTORNEY JOYCE WHITE VANCE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA
	FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE			CONTACT: PEGGY SANFORD
	SEPTEMBER 23, 2009			PHONE: (205) 244-2020
	www.usdoj.gov/usao/aln			FAX: (205) 244-2171

NIGHTCLUB OWNER SENTENCED ON STRUCTURING CHARGES

            BIRMINGHAM, AL - United States Attorney Joyce White Vance of the Northern District of Alabama announced that CHARLES GREGORY CARDWELL was sentenced today on charges of structuring transactions.  Over a period of two years, CARDWELL made over 100 cash deposits, in amounts just below the reporting threshold.  CARDWELL is the owner of two adult clubs in the Huntsville area.

            CARDWELL, 55, of Hazel Green, Alabama was sentenced by United States District Judge  Sharon L. Blackburn to 3 months of custody.  The Judge also ordered that he forfeit $500,000.  He was given a three (3) year term of supervised release to be served after his release from prison. 

            According to Vance, CARDWELL was charged in a February 2009 indictment with 67 counts of structuring transactions to avoid reporting requirements.  In May 2009, CARDWELL pleaded guilty to 16 felony counts and agreed to the forfeiture $500,000.

            “We all have to play by the rules,” said U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance.  “The law requires banks to report individual transactions that exceed $10,000.00 to the IRS.  Mr. Cardwell tried to fly below the IRS’s radar screen by making deposits that were just below $10,000.  We aggressively review currency transactions in this District to insure that the proceeds of unlawful activity cannot be easily banked and then accessed in a more readily spent form.”             

            “Currency reporting information is a vital tool for IRS Criminal Investigation and its law enforcement partners as it provides a roadmap for the investigation of financial crimes and other illegal activities.  Those who attempt to evade detection of currency deposits risk losing their liberty as well as their currency,” said  IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Reginael D. McDaniel. 

            This case was investigated by Special Agents with Internal Revenue Service and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Angela R. Debro.

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