Indictment: Topeka Developer Lied Under Oath

TOPEKA, KAN. – A grand jury Wednesday returned a new indictment against Topeka developer Kent Douglas Lindemuth charging him with lying under oath in an effort to hide assets in a bankruptcy, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.

Lindemuth, 65, Topeka, Kan., was charged with one count of perjury. Wednesday’s indictment brings the number of federal criminal charges against Lindemuth to 114 counts, including bankruptcy fraud, money laundering, and possession of firearms and ammunition while under indictment. Lindemuth initially was charged in June 2016 in an indictment accusing him of hiding assets after he filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in November 2012.

The new count alleges Lindemuth committed perjury on Jan. 7, 2013, when he testified under oath at a hearing held by a court-appointed bankruptcy trustee. After being placed under oath by an attorney for the U.S. Trustee Program, Lindemuth stated he had reported all his assets as the law required. He also stated that he would notify his attorney of any changes.

The indictment alleges that at the time he made the statements he was concealing assets, including: An Envista Credit Union account, a US Bank account, a revenue stream of more than $1 million, and firearms with a value of more than $1 million.

Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:

Perjury: A maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.

Bankruptcy fraud: A maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.

Money laundering: Up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.

Unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition: Up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.

The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rich Hathaway is prosecuting is prosecuting.