September 11, 2012

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Cameron J. Potter, 40, of New Market, Tenn., was sentenced on September 10, 2012, to serve 36 months in federal prison by the Honorable Thomas W. Phillips, U.S. District Judge. Potter pleaded guilty in September 2011, to a federal indictment charging him with wire fraud and money laundering. Potter was also ordered to forfeit all proceeds of his crimes and to pay restitution in the amount of $403,161.39.

The indictment and subsequent conviction of Potter was the result of a 30 month investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the Inspector General. Through his position as Chief Financial Officer for the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, Potter embezzled more than $403,000 in company funds through fraudulent transactions, counterfeit checks, and diverted receipts. He then used the stolen funds to pay for a self-indulgent lifestyle, consisting of cars, a second house, a large collection of sports memorabilia, and a paramour in Atlanta.

Gregory H. Friedman, Inspector General for the Department of Energy, stated: "Mr. Potter's fraud scheme diverted taxpayer-provided funds from their intended purpose, specifically, to advance clean energy initiatives. This case had a successful outcome thanks to the work of the Special Agents in the Office of Inspector General and the dedicated staff of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee. Mr. Potter's conviction and sentencing send a strong message of deterrence to others who are inclined to defraud the Department of Energy."

The Knoxville Police Department assisted the Department of Energy, Office of Inspector General with this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank M. Dale, Jr. represented the United States.