Indictment Filed For Conspiracy To Commit Mail And Wire Fraud, And Extortion By Interstate Communications; Money Laundering; Money Laundering Conspiracy; And Obstruction Of Justice

     
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Stuart C. Cole, 58, of St Pete Beach, Florida, Mark C. Simpson, 50, of Lake Park, Georgia, and Stephanie M. Simpson, 30, of Lake Park, Georgia, were indicted by a Federal Grand Jury sitting in Macon, Georgia on June 12, 2013 for Conspiracy to Commit Mail and Wire Fraud (Count One) and Conspiracy to Commit Extortion by Interstate Communications and by Mail (Count Two).  Mr. Cole and Mr. Simpson were also indicted for Money Laundering Conspiracy (Count Three), Money Laundering (Count Four through Six), and Obstruction of Justice (Count Seven).  These charges stem from activities connected with the operation of a business known as Child Support Services and occurring between 2007 and 2009.  A copy of the indictment is attached.

If convicted, the defendants face the following penalties:

Count One – Conspiracy to Commit Mail and Wire Fraud (all three defendants), in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349.

Imprisonment up to twenty (20) years, fine of up to $250,000.00, followed by a term of supervised release of up to three (3) years, and a mandatory assessment fee of $100.00.

Count Two – Conspiracy to Commit Extortion by Interstate Communications and by Mail (all three defendants), in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371 i/c/w Sections 875(d) and 876(d).

Imprisonment up to five (5) years, $250,000.00 fine or both, followed by a term of supervised release of up to three (3) years, and a mandatory assessment fee of $100.00.

Mr. Cole and Mr. Simpson also face the following:

Count Three – Money Laundering Conspiracy, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1956(h).

Imprisonment up to twenty (20) years, fine of up to twice the amount laundered (alleged at $655,896.76), or both, followed by a term of supervised release of up to three (3) years, and a mandatory assessment fee of $100.00.

Count Four through Six – Money Laundering, in violation of Title 18, United State Code, Section 1957 and Section 2.

Imprisonment up to ten (10) years, $250,000.00 fine or both, followed by a term of up to three (3) years, and a mandatory assessment fee of $100.00.

Count Seven – Obstruction of Justice, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1512(c) and 2.

Imprisonment up to twenty (20) years, fine of up to $250,000.00 or both, and a term of supervised release of up to three (3) years, and a mandatory assessment fee of $100.00

An indictment is only an accusation, and each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, United States Postal Inspection Service, along with the Georgia Governor’s Office of Consumer Protection.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. McCullers.

Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2602.