Former President of St. Louis Law Enforcement Officer Association Indicted on Fraud Charges

St. Louis, MO – Darren Randal Wilson was indicted on multiple fraud charges involving his misappropriation of over $80,000 from the Ethical Society of Police, an association of black St. Louis police officers.

According to the indictment, Wilson was president of the Ethical Society of Police (ESOP) in 2013 and 2014.  As president of ESOP, Wilson had signature authority over the ESOP bank account and accessed the funds in the account with checks and an ATM/debit card.  The funds in the ESOP account consisted primarily of the monthly dues contributed by the police officer members of ESOP.

The indictment alleges that between July 2013 and December 2014, Wilson engaged in a fraud scheme to misappropriate money from the ESOP bank account and to use the money for his own purposes.  To further the fraud scheme, Wilson transmitted some of the misappropriated money by Fed Wire, PayPal and Western Union wire transfers.  To conceal his fraudulent activity, Wilson presented false information to ESOP officers and members.

Wilson was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 14 on nine felony counts of wire fraud.  The indictment remained sealed until earlier today when the defendant surrendered to authorities.

Upon conviction, each count of the indictment carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and/or a fine up to $250,000.  In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Cristian M. Stevens is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

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.