Cash Link Systems, Inc.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) (CLOSED)

Prosecutions relating to Cash Link Systems, Inc. (See individual entries below for latest updates):

U.S. v. Leland Balber U.S. v. Charles Bohn U.S. v. Alberto Ferreiras U.S. v. Benjamin Goss

U.S. v. Jason Kowal U.S. v. Alan Levine U.S. v. Len Needelman U.S. v. Leslie Rattet

U.S. v. Lee Samuel U.S. v. James Settembrino US v. Peter Solo U.S. v. Bernardo Susi

United States v. Leland Balber, Case No. 05-cr-60033 (S.D.FL) - CLOSED

On February 18, 2005, Leland Balber was charged by federal criminal information with 1 count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. The charges alleged that Leland Balber participated in business opportunity fraud through telemarketing. The charges were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, and involved Leland Balber's conduct at a fraudulent business opportunity firm called Cash Link Systems, Inc.

On March 24, 2005, Leland Balber pled guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. In doing so, Leland Balber admitted he had engaged in business opportunity fraud through telemarketing.

On November 16, 2005, Leland Balber was sentenced to 42 months' imprisonment, 3 years’ supervised release and $10,794,331.18 in restitution. During his term of supervised release, Leland Balber is not permitted to sell business opportunities or engage in telemarketing without approval of the probation office and the Court.

Under federal law restitution is ordered in criminal cases, in general, on the basis of losses a defendant causes and without regard to the defendant's ability to pay the restitution. See 18 U.S.C. 3664 (f)(1)(A), which provides: "In each order of restitution, the court shall order restitution to each victim in the full amount of each victim's losses as determined by the court and without consideration of the economic circumstances of the defendant." Any payments made by the defendant will go to the Court and will then be shared among victims. Any amount due a victim shall be reduced by any amount the victim recovers for the same loss from any other source. If you have any questions regarding the restitution order, please contact the Federal Probation Office of the Southern District of Florida.

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United States v. Charles Bohn, a/k/a "Chad Bond," Case No. 07-cr-60014 (S.D.FL) - CLOSED

On January 25, 2007, Charles Bohn was charged by federal criminal information with 1 count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. The charges alleged that Charles Bohn participated in business opportunity fraud through telemarketing. Charles Bohn has also been known as "Chad Bohn" and "Chad Bond." The charges were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, and involved Charles Bohn's conduct at a fraudulent business opportunity firm called Cash Link Systems, Inc.

On February 8, 2007, Charles Bohn pled guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. In doing so, Charles Bohn admitted he had engaged in business opportunity fraud through telemarketing.

On May 30, 2007, Charles Bohn was sentenced to 27 months' imprisonment, 3 years’ supervised release and $685,460.64 in restitution. During his term of supervised release, Charles Bohn is not permitted to sell business opportunities or engage in telemarketing without approval of the probation office and the Court.

Under federal law restitution is ordered in criminal cases, in general, on the basis of losses a defendant causes and without regard to the defendant's ability to pay the restitution. See 18 U.S.C. 3664 (f)(1)(A), which provides: "In each order of restitution, the court shall order restitution to each victim in the full amount of each victim's losses as determined by the court and without consideration of the economic circumstances of the defendant." Any payments made by the defendant will go to the Court and will then be shared among victims. Any amount due a victim shall be reduced by any amount the victim recovers for the same loss from any other source. If you have any questions regarding the restitution order, please contact the Federal Probation Office of the Southern District of Florida.

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United States v. Alberto Ferreiras, Case No. 07-cr-60020 (S.D.FL) - CLOSED

On January 25, 2007, Alberto Ferreiras was charged by federal criminal indictment with 1 count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and 8 counts of mail fraud. The charges alleged that Alberto Ferreiras participated in business opportunity fraud through telemarketing. The charges were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, and involved Alberto Ferreiras's conduct at a fraudulent business opportunity firm called Cash Link Systems, Inc.

On April 9, 2007, the Ferreiras case was transferred to the Eastern District of New York, where he was facing unrelated, pre-existing charges.

On June 27, 2007, Alberto Ferreiras pled guilty to all charges pending against him. Sentencing is to be scheduled at a later date.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 19, 2008.

Update 12/23/08: Sentencing has been rescheduled for this defendant to January 29, 2009, at 11:00 a.m.

Update 4/20/10:

On July 21, 2009, Alberto Ferreiras was sentenced to 125 months’ imprisonment, 3 years’ supervised release and $16,975,365.88 in restitution. Under federal law restitution is ordered in criminal cases, in general, on the basis of losses a defendant causes and without regard to the defendant's ability to pay the restitution. See 18 U.S.C. 3664 (f)(1)(A), which provides: "In each order of restitution, the court shall order restitution to each victim in the full amount of each victim's losses as determined by the court and without consideration of the economic circumstances of the defendant." Any payments made by the defendant will go to the Court and will then be shared among victims. Any amount due a victim shall be reduced by any amount the victim recovers for the same loss from any other source. If you have any questions regarding the restitution order, please contact the Federal Probation Office of the Eastern District of New York.

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United States v. Benjamin Goss, Case No. 07-cr-60014 (S.D.FL) - CLOSED

On January, 25, 2007, Benjamin Goss was charged by federal criminal information with 1 count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. The charges alleged that Benjamin Goss participated in business opportunity fraud through telemarketing. Benjamin Goss has also been known as "Ben Goss." The charges were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, and involved Benjamin Goss's conduct at a fraudulent business opportunity firm called Cash Link Systems, Inc.

On February 8, 2007, Benjamin Goss pled guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. In doing so, Benjamin Goss admitted he had engaged in business opportunity fraud through telemarketing.

On May, 30, 2007, Benjamin Goss was sentenced to 4 months' imprisonment, 3 years’ supervised release and $109,215.00 in restitution. During his term of supervised release, Benjamin Goss is not permitted to sell business opportunities or engage in telemarketing without approval of the probation office and the Court.

Under federal law restitution is ordered in criminal cases, in general, on the basis of losses a defendant causes and without regard to the defendant's ability to pay the restitution. See 18 U.S.C. 3664 (f)(1)(A), which provides: "In each order of restitution, the court shall order restitution to each victim in the full amount of each victim's losses as determined by the court and without consideration of the economic circumstances of the defendant." Any payments made by the defendant will go to the Court and will then be shared among victims. Any amount due a victim shall be reduced by any amount the victim recovers for the same loss from any other source. If you have any questions regarding the restitution order, please contact the Federal Probation Office of the Southern District of Florida.

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United States v. Jason Kowal, Case No. 06-cr-60137 (S.D.FL) - CLOSED

On May 11, 2006, Jason Kowal was charged by federal criminal indictment with 1 count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, 2 counts of wire fraud, and 4 counts of mail fraud. The charges alleged that Jason Kowal participated in business opportunity fraud through telemarketing. The charges were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, and involved Jason Kowal's conduct at a fraudulent business opportunity firm called Cash Link Systems, Inc.

On July 6, 2006, Jason Kowal pled guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. In doing so, Jason Kowal admitted he had engaged in business opportunity fraud through telemarketing.

On October 11, 2006, Jason Kowal was sentenced to 77 months' imprisonment, 3 years’ supervised release and $1,828,370.61 in restitution. During his term of supervised release, Jason Kowal is not permitted to sell business opportunities or engage in telemarketing without approval of the probation office and the Court.

Under federal law restitution is ordered in criminal cases, in general, on the basis of losses a defendant causes and without regard to the defendant's ability to pay the restitution. See 18 U.S.C. 3664 (f)(1)(A), which provides: "In each order of restitution, the court shall order restitution to each victim in the full amount of each victim's losses as determined by the court and without consideration of the economic circumstances of the defendant." Any payments made by the defendant will go to the Court and will then be shared among victims. Any amount due a victim shall be reduced by any amount the victim recovers for the same loss from any other source. If you have any questions regarding the restitution order, please contact the Federal Probation Office of the Southern District of Florida.

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United States v. Alan Levine, Case No. 05-cr-60039 (S.D.FL) - CLOSED

On February 18, 2005, Alan Levine was charged by federal criminal information with 1 count of mail fraud. The charges alleged that Alan Levine participated in business opportunity fraud through telemarketing. The charges were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, and involved Alan Levine's conduct at a fraudulent business opportunity firm called Cash Link Systems, Inc.

On March 15, 2005, Alan Levine pled guilty to 1 count of mail fraud. In doing so, Alan Levine admitted he had engaged in business opportunity fraud through telemarketing.

On December 23, 2005, Alan Levine was sentenced to 70 months' imprisonment, 3 years’ supervised release and $10,794,331.15 in restitution. During his term of supervised release, Alan Levine is not permitted to sell business opportunities or engage in telemarketing without approval of the probation office and the Court.

Under federal law restitution is ordered in criminal cases, in general, on the basis of losses a defendant causes and without regard to the defendant's ability to pay the restitution. See 18 U.S.C. ' 3664 (f)(1)(A), which provides: "In each order of restitution, the court shall order restitution to each victim in the full amount of each victim's losses as determined by the court and without consideration of the economic circumstances of the defendant." Any payments made by the defendant will go to the Court and will then be shared among victims. Any amount due a victim shall be reduced by any amount the victim recovers for the same loss from any other source. If you have any questions regarding the restitution order, please contact the Federal Probation Office of the Southern District of Florida.

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United States v. Len Needelman, Case No. 06-cr-60137 (S.D.FL) - CLOSED

On May 11, 2006, Len Needelman was charged by federal criminal indictment with 1 count conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, 3 counts of wire fraud, and 4 counts of mail fraud. The charges alleged that Len Needelman participated in business opportunity fraud through telemarketing. The charges were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, and involved Len Needelman's conduct at a fraudulent business opportunity firm called Cash Link Systems, Inc.

On June 15, 2006, Len Needelman pled guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. In doing so, Len Needelman admitted he had engaged in business opportunity fraud through telemarketing.

On August 31, 2006, Len Needelman was sentenced to 97 months' imprisonment, 3 years’ supervised release and $16,987,050.88 in restitution. During his term of supervised release, Len Needelman is not permitted to sell business opportunities or engage in telemarketing without approval of the probation office and the Court.

Under federal law restitution is ordered in criminal cases, in general, on the basis of losses a defendant causes and without regard to the defendant=s ability to pay the restitution. See 18 U.S.C. 3664 (f)(1)(A), which provides: "In each order of restitution, the court shall order restitution to each victim in the full amount of each victim's losses as determined by the court and without consideration of the economic circumstances of the defendant." Any payments made by the defendant will go to the Court and will then be shared among victims. Any amount due a victim shall be reduced by any amount the victim recovers for the same loss from any other source. If you have any questions regarding the restitution order, please contact the Federal Probation Office of the Southern District of Florida.

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United States v. Leslie Rattet, Case No. 07-cr-60020 (S.D.FL) - CLOSED

On January 25, 2007, Leslie Rattet was charged by federal criminal indictment with 1 count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and 3 counts of mail fraud. The charges alleged that Leslie Rattet participated in business opportunity fraud through telemarketing. The charges were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, and involved Leslie Rattet's conduct at a fraudulent business opportunity firm called Cash Link Systems, Inc.

On April 12, 2007, the Rattet case was transferred to the Southern District of New York, where he was facing unrelated, pre-existing charges.

On June 8, 2007, Leslie Rattet pled guilty to all charges pending against him. Sentencing is to be scheduled at a later date.

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United States v. Lee Samuel, Case No. 07-cr-60014 (S.D.FL) - CLOSED

On January 25, 2007, Lee Samuel was charged by federal criminal information with 1 count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. The charges alleged that Lee Samuel participated in business opportunity fraud through telemarketing. The charges were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, and involved Lee Samuel=s conduct at a fraudulent business opportunity firm called Cash Link Systems, Inc.

On February 8, 2007, Lee Samuel pled guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. In doing so, Lee Samuel admitted he had engaged in business opportunity fraud through telemarketing.

On May 30, 2007, Lee Samuel was sentenced to 46 months' imprisonment, 3 years’ supervised release and $2,485,576.27 in restitution. During his term of supervised release, Lee Samuel is not permitted to sell business opportunities or engage in telemarketing without approval of the probation office and the Court.

Under federal law restitution is ordered in criminal cases, in general, on the basis of losses a defendant causes and without regard to the defendant's ability to pay the restitution. See 18 U.S.C. 3664 (f)(1)(A), which provides: "In each order of restitution, the court shall order restitution to each victim in the full amount of each victim's losses as determined by the court and without consideration of the economic circumstances of the defendant." Any payments made by the defendant will go to the Court and will then be shared among victims. Any amount due a victim shall be reduced by any amount the victim recovers for the same loss from any other source. If you have any questions regarding the restitution order, please contact the Federal Probation Office of the Southern District of Florida.

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United States v. James Settembrino, a/k/a "Jim Setti," a/k/a "Jim Bella," Case No. 07-cr-60014 (S.D.FL) - CLOSED

On January 25, 2007, James Settembrino was charged by federal criminal information with 1 count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. The charges alleged that James Settembrino participated in business opportunity fraud through telemarketing. James Settembrino has also been known as "Jim Setti" and "Jim Bella." The charges were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, and involved James Settembrino=s conduct at a fraudulent business opportunity firm called Cash Link Systems, Inc.

On February 8, 2007, James Settembrino pled guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. In doing so, James Settembrino admitted he had engaged in business opportunity fraud through telemarketing.

On May 25, 2007, James Settembrino was sentenced to 57 months' imprisonment, 3 years’ supervised release and $1,508,394.98 in restitution. During his term of supervised release, James Settembrino is not permitted to sell business opportunities or engage in telemarketing without approval of the probation office and the Court.

Under federal law restitution is ordered in criminal cases, in general, on the basis of losses a defendant causes and without regard to the defendant's ability to pay the restitution. See 18 U.S.C. 3664 (f)(1)(A), which provides: "In each order of restitution, the court shall order restitution to each victim in the full amount of each victim's losses as determined by the court and without consideration of the economic circumstances of the defendant." Any payments made by the defendant will go to the Court and will then be shared among victims. Any amount due a victim shall be reduced by any amount the victim recovers for the same loss from any other source. If you have any questions regarding the restitution order, please contact the Federal Probation Office of the Southern District of Florida.

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United States v. Peter Solo, Case No. 07-cr-60014 (S.D.FL) - CLOSED

On January 25, 2007, Peter Solo was charged by federal criminal information with 1 count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. The charges alleged that Peter Solo participated in business opportunity fraud through telemarketing. The charges were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, and involved Peter Solo's conduct at a fraudulent business opportunity firm called Cash Link Systems, Inc.

On February 20, 2007, Peter Solo pled guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. In doing so, Peter Solo admitted he had engaged in business opportunity fraud through telemarketing.

On July 16, 2007, Peter Solo was sentenced to 38 months' imprisonment, 3 years’ supervised release and $2,648,276.95 in restitution. During his term of supervised release, Peter Solo is not permitted to sell business opportunities or engage in telemarketing without approval of the probation office and the Court.

Under federal law restitution is ordered in criminal cases, in general, on the basis of losses a defendant causes and without regard to the defendant's ability to pay the restitution. See 18 U.S.C. 3664 (f)(1)(A), which provides: "In each order of restitution, the court shall order restitution to each victim in the full amount of each victim's losses as determined by the court and without consideration of the economic circumstances of the defendant." Any payments made by the defendant will go to the Court and will then be shared among victims. Any amount due a victim shall be reduced by any amount the victim recovers for the same loss from any other source. If you have any questions regarding the restitution order, please contact the Federal Probation Office of the Southern District of Florida.

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United States v. Bernardo Susi, a/k/a "Bernie Souci," Case No. 07-cr-60014 (S.D.FL) - CLOSED

On January 25, 2007, Bernardo Susi was charged by federal criminal information with 1 count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. The charges alleged that Bernardo Susi participated in business opportunity fraud through telemarketing. Bernardo Susi has also been known as Bernie Souci. The charges were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, and involved Bernardo Susi's conduct at a fraudulent business opportunity firm called Cash Link Systems, Inc.

On February 8, 2007, Bernardo Susi pled guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. In doing so, Bernardo Susi admitted he had engaged in business opportunity fraud through telemarketing.

On May 30, 2007, Bernardo Susi was sentenced to 41 months' imprisonment, 3 years’ supervised release and $1,762,789.90 in restitution. During his term of supervised release, Bernardo Susi is not permitted to sell business opportunities or engage in telemarketing without approval of the probation office and the Court.

Under federal law restitution is ordered in criminal cases, in general, on the basis of losses a defendant causes and without regard to the defendant's ability to pay the restitution. See 18 U.S.C. 3664 (f)(1)(A), which provides: "In each order of restitution, the court shall order restitution to each victim in the full amount of each victim's losses as determined by the court and without consideration of the economic circumstances of the defendant." Any payments made by the defendant will go to the Court and will then be shared among victims. Any amount due a victim shall be reduced by any amount the victim recovers for the same loss from any other source. If you have any questions regarding the restitution order, please contact the Federal Probation Office of the Southern District of Florida.

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