Skip to main content
Press Release

Federal Jury Finds Bradenton Bail Bondsman Guilty Of Theft Of Government Property And Identity Theft

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida

Tampa, Florida – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces that a federal jury has found James J. Jean-Rene (53, Riverview) guilty of one count of conspiracy, seven counts of theft of government property, and seven counts of aggravated identity theft. He faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison for the conspiracy count, up to 10 years’ imprisonment on each property theft count, and up to 2 years in federal prison on each identity theft count. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

 

According to testimony presented at trial, Jean-Rene deposited more than 100 United States Treasury checks from 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 bonds. In fact, Jean-Rene had purchased the checks from individuals who had either stolen the checks or had filed fraudulent tax returns and received the refund checks. Victims of the fraud included the elderly, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. During the course of the conspiracy, Jean-Rene stole more than $850,000.

 

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs - Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kristen A. Fiore and Cherie L. Krigsman.

Updated October 5, 2017

Topics
Financial Fraud
Identity Theft
Tax