Bradenton Bail Bondsman Sentenced To More Than Seven Years For Cashing Stolen And Fraudulent Treasury Checks

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced James J. Jean-Rene (54, Riverview) to seven years and four months in federal prison for conspiracy, theft of government property, and identity theft. As part of his sentence, the court also entered a money judgment in the amount of $850,174.92, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct. A federal jury found guilty him on October 3, 2017.

According to documents and testimony presented at trial, Jean-Rene deposited more than 100 United States Treasury checks for tax refunds or veterans’ pension benefits into bank accounts for his bail bonds company – A United Bail Bonds. He falsely claimed that the checks were payments for bail bonds. The victims in this case included veterans and elderly and disabled individuals. During the course of the conspiracy, Jean-Rene stole over $850,000.

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kristen A. Fiore and Cherie L. Krigsman.