Magic Valley Man Pleads Guilty To Bankruptcy Fraud

BOISE – Christopher Brandon Craner, 32, of Buhl, Idaho, pleaded guilty today in United States District Court to one count of bankruptcy fraud-asset concealment, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Craner was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 8, 2012.

According to the plea agreement, on March 24, 2009, Craner filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Simultaneously with the bankruptcy petition, Craner filed a schedule of assets. According to the plea agreement, Craner admitted that between March 24 and May 4, 2009, he knowingly and fraudulently concealed from creditors and the bankruptcy trustee, his interest in a “Ranger Boat Certificate,” which had been awarded to him on March 14, 2009.

Bankruptcy fraud is punishable by up to five years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and at least three years of supervised release.

Sentencing is set for April 22, 2013, before U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge at the federal courthouse in Boise.

The case was investigated by United States Trustee’s Office.