News and Press Releases

former atlanta attorney sentenced for million dollar fraud scheme

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 4, 2012

RALEIGH – United States Attorney Thomas G. Walker announced today that Gregory Bartko, an Atlanta attorney and securities broker, was sentenced in U. S. District Court in Raleigh, N.C. Bartko received an active sentence of 276 months for his conduct related to the sale of unregistered securities.

A jury convicted Bartko following a 13 day trial during which Assistant US Attorney David Bragdon presented evidence that Bartko’s fraud harmed approximately 200 victims in 21 different states.

United States Attorney Thomas G. Walker stated “defrauding decent folks of their life savings amounts to robbing them of their dreams. Such conduct is criminal and deserves severe punishment.”

“Gregory Bartko targeted church members and made empty promises for big investment returns. The FBI and our federal partners dismantled his fraud ring and we will keep pursuing con men who put their own greed above the law", said Chris Briese, Special Agent in Charge of the Charlotte Division of the FBI.

“Mr. Bartko victimized everyday hardworking people," stated Special Agent in Charge, Jeannine A. Hammett, IRS-CI. "That makes his crimes even more horrible. It is despicable that Mr. Bartko violated his position of trust for his own personal gain.”

“The Inspection Service will continue to vigorously pursue those who use the US Mail to defraud investors of their hard earned money”, said Keith Fixel, Postal Inspector in Charge of the Charlotte Division.  “Cases like this are particularly devastating because people, like Gregory Bartko, try to hide behind their professional credentials while using them to gain the trust of their victims.  Investors should remain vigilant and verify all information for a potential investment, especially if there are claims of outperforming the market.”

The FBI, Postal Inspector’s Office, IRS, and NC Secretary of State’s Office all assisted in this investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney David Bragdon of the Economic Crimes Division represented the Government.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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