LITITZ MAN CHARGED WITH WIRE FRAUD AFTER VICTIMIZING SEVERAL CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESSES

Dennis C. Pfannenschmidt, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced today that Paul Janoski, age 40, of Lititz, Pennsylvania, was charged yesterday in a one-count Information involving a wire fraud scheme victimizing businesses throughout Central Pennsylvania. Also, filed yesterday was a plea agreement indicating that Janoski has agreed to plead guilty to the charge when he appears for his arraignment in federal court.

According to U.S. Attorney Pfannenschmidt, Janoski installed credit card processing terminals for Nationwide Payment Solutions. In order to receive funds from the credit card purchases, the businesses provided their bank account information to Janoski to be forwarded to Nationwide Payment Solutions. From May 2004 and continuing to February 2007, Janoski devised a scheme to defraud business that had provided their bank account information to him by having funds electronically withdrawn from their business accounts into his own personal account for his own personal use without the business’ knowledge, authorization or permission. Seven businesses in Lancaster; Lebanon; Mechanicsburg; Myerstown and York were victimized and approximately $70,000 was gained as a result of this scheme.

Janoski faces a maximum of 20 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000 and a maximum three year term of supervised release.

This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daryl F. Bloom.

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