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Press Release

Philadelphia Pub Owner Charged In Fraud Scheme

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

PHILADELPHIA - Michael Hoffner, Sr., 50, of Voorhees, New Jersey was charged by indictment, unsealed today, with 23 counts of wire fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud Navy Federal Credit Union and American Express, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.

 

According to the indictment, Hoffner owned the Brown Street Pub in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  The indictment alleges that on 23 occasions, between September and November 2012, Hoffner used a stolen credit number to make charges to either Visa or American Express.  The cardholders were not aware of and did not authorize these transactions.  The proceeds of these transactions went into accounts that Hoffner controlled.

 

If convicted the defendant faces a potential advisory sentencing guideline range of at least 18 to 24 months in prison, a $5.75 million fine, and three years of supervised release. The indictment also seeks forfeiture in the amount of $47,209.

 

The case was investigated by United States Secret Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David J. Ignall.

 

An indictment is an accusation.  A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Updated June 26, 2015

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Topic
Financial Fraud