TOPEKA, KAN. – A Topeka man has pleaded guilty to a wire fraud charge in connection with an arson at a convenience store, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Choudhry Zafar Iqbal, 44, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. Prosecutors said the facts of the case show that Iqbal operated the Kwik Stop at 738 S.W. Gage Boulevard in Topeka. The store was destroyed by arson on March 11, 2007. On March 12, 2007, Iqbal made a false and fraudulent insurance claim on the fire while he was speaking by telephone with a claims representative for Continental Western Insurance Company in Nebraska.

Sentencing is set for Feb. 13. He faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Hough is prosecuting.

 

 

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