Illinois Man Charged With Wire Fraud

St. Louis, MO – JASON CRIPE, Windsor, Illinois, was charged in a criminal complaint alleging wire fraud in connection with a bogus advertisement on Craigslist.  According to the complaint, Cripe advertised two Bobcat tractors for sale on the website and accepted $12,800 in partial payment.  When the delivery date came and went, Cripe is alleged to have offered numerous excuses for his non-delivery.  Ultimately, after promising to repay the victims’ money, Cripe is alleged to have cut off communications with the victims and cannot be located. If any member of the public is aware of Cripe’s whereabouts, they are asked to contact the St. Louis office of the Secret Service at 314-529-2238.

If convicted, wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and/or a fine of $250,000.  Restitution to the victims is also mandatory. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.        

This case was investigated by the St. Louis Office of the U.S. Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorney Tom Albus is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

As is always the case, charges set forth in a criminal complaint are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt.  Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.