Watertown Couple Indicted on Multiple Fraud Charges

US Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Watertown couple has been indicted by a federal grand jury on multiple fraud charges.

Tashia Lynne Weeks, age 43, and Chad Michael Barton, age 34, were indicted by a federal grand jury on August 14, 2012, for conspiracy to commit bank fraud, three counts of bank fraud, two counts of aggravated identity theft, and two counts of misuse of a Social Security number. They appeared before US Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on August 24, 2012, in Aberdeen and pled not guilty to the indictment.

The conspiracy and bank fraud charges each carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and/or a $1 million fine, plus restitution. The aggravated identity theft charges both carry a mandatory two-year sentence consecutive to any sentence on any other charge. The misuse of Social Security charges each carry a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine. The charges are merely accusations, and both defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the United States Secret Service. Assistant US Attorney Ann M. Hendrickson is prosecuting the case. Both defendants were released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not yet been set.