Brunswick couple sentenced to prison for obstructing federal investigation

A Brunswick couple was sentenced to prison for obstructing an investigation.

Eric Dentz was sentenced to two years and four months in prison after previously being found guilty of conspiracy to obstruct justice and tamper with witnesses and failure to file taxes.

Rebecca Dentz was sentenced to one year in prison after being found guilty of destruction, alteration and falsification of records and false statements to federal agents

The Dentz’s repeatedly obstructed an investigation into themselves and their companies Dentz Painting Incorporated and Global Contracting Service,. Eric Dentz threatened agents with physical violence after they attempted to serve subpoenas and obtain documents relevant to the investigation,. Additionally, Rebecca Dentz repeatedly lied to agents about her and Eric Dentz’s involvement with Global and the location of records responsive to the subpoena, according to court documents.

During proceedings held before United States District Chief Judge Solomon Oliver, Jr., Eric and Rebecca Dentz continued to obstruct justice by lying about the status and condition of the records. Specifically, the Dentzs lied by stating that the records sought by the grand jury were destroyed in a flood and later supplied agents and the court with a fake cleaning invoice in an attempt to support their false claims. Further investigation revealed that the invoice had been fabricated at Eric and Rebecca Dentz’s request. The Dentzs also obstructed and delayed the investigation by falsely stating that third parties possessed the records sought by the grand jury when those individuals in fact had no such records, according to court documents.

Eric Dentz also repeatedly failed to file income tax returns with the IRS over several years, according to court documents.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Om Kakani, following an investigation by the Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division.