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Press Release

Former Director of Information Systems for BSI Indicted on Wire Fraud Charges

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Missouri

St. Louis, MO – Leaman George Crews, III, 44, of St. James, Missouri, surrendered this morning in federal court to an Indictment charging him with five counts of wire fraud in connection with his scheme to defraud the company he worked for – Brewer Science Incorporated (BSI), Rolla, Missouri. 

The indictment alleges that between May 2, 2008 and August 11, 2017, Crews was employed as the Director of Information Systems for BSI.  He was given a BSI credit card to order software equipment on behalf of the company.  Instead of purchasing software and computer equipment for the company, Crews used the credit card to fund over one thousand wire transfers to various PayPal and bank accounts.  Crews ultimately used the BSI funds for personal expenditures unrelated to the legitimate BSI business, including cash withdrawals and personal credit card purchases.  The total amount of loss is approximately $1,851,520.

If convicted, Crews faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine of not more than $250,000 or both on each count.  Restitution to the victim is also mandatory. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.  To help vindicate the interests of the victim, the government has also sought forfeiture of real estate Crews purchased with the proceeds of his crime and a money judgment for all of money stolen in favor of the United States.

This case was investigated by the Rolla division of the FBI.  Lindsay McClure-Hartman is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s office. The U.S. Attorney’s Office recognizes the assistance of BSI in preparing the case.

As is always the case, charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt.  Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.                             

Updated June 19, 2018

Topic
Financial Fraud