Little Rock - Christopher R. Thyer, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas announced that Richard Helus, 61, and April Helus, 41, both of Clinton, Arkansas, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Little Rock, Arkansas, charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, one count of bankruptcy fraud, and six counts of structuring cash deposits to avoid federal reporting requirements. If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 on each count.

According to the indictment, the Heluses conspired with each other to knowingly and fraudulently conceal from a trustee or other officer of the Court cash belonging to them. The indictment states that from February 9, 2009 until April 14, 2009, the Heluses withdrew $72,200.00 in cash from their bank account. On September 30, 2009, they voluntarily filed a Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition, stating their bank account balance was $1,780.00 and their cash on hand was $80.00. Beginning on December 2, 2009 until February 11, 2010, the Heluses deposited $119,520.00 in cash into several bank accounts they owned.

The indictment charges that the Heluses fraudulently concealed from the trustee the fact they had $119,520.00 in cash in their possession. Additionally, the indictment charges that the Heluses structured their cash deposits into their bank accounts in a manner to avoid federal reporting requirements.

This investigation was conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation. Criminal Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick C. Harris will prosecute this case for the United States.

Return to Top