Tangipahoa Man, Frank Donewar, Sentenced For Illegal Wagering Operation

FRANK DONEWAR, 57, a resident of Hammond, Louisiana, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Kurt D. Englehardt for transmission of wagering information and money laundering, announced U. S. Attorney Dana J. Boente.

According to court documents, from January 2005 through February 2012, DONEWAR placed illegal bets and wagers on sporting events and converted ten thousand dollars ($10,000) in cash into a Certificate of Deposit with a local financial institution knowing that the transaction was designed in whole or in part to conceal and disguise, the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of illegal gambling proceeds.

Judge Engelhardt sentenced DONEWAR to four years probation including ten months of home incarceration with electronic monitoring.  In addition, Judge Engelhardt ordered the defendant to pay a $10,000 fine which is due immediately.

“Frank Donewar was sentenced today for operating an illegal sports wagering business and concealing his proceeds by conducting illegal financial transactions,” stated Gabriel Grchan, Special Agent in Charge, IRS- Criminal Investigation New Orleans Field Office.  “IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to unraveling complex money laundering schemes, and will continue to work closely with the U S Attorney’s Office to prosecute those individuals who engage in illegal enterprises.”

This case was investigated by special agents from the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Strike Force Chief and Assistant U. S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba.