Former U.S. Customs & Border Protection Supervisor Convicted Of Fraud

1125 Chapline Street, Federal Building, Suite 3000 ● Wheeling, WV 26003
(304) 234-0100 ● Contact: Chris Zumpetta-Parr, Public Affairs Specialist

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – The former Acting Director of the Tactical Operations Division for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection pleaded guilty to misusing his government-issued credit card at a West Virginia casino.

United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced that GENE PROTOGIANNIS, 55 years old of Lovettsville, Virginia, entered a plea of guilty to “Wire Fraud” in Federal court in Martinsburg. PROTOGIANNIS admitted that he used his official government credit card to obtain cash advances at the Hollywood Casino in Charles Town, West Virginia. The total amount of cash withdrawn by PROTOGIANNIS at the casino was $115,853.55.

PROTOGIANNIS faces up to twenty years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The actual sentence imposed will be based upon the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and the criminal history of the defendant, if any.

Assistant United States Attorney Paul T. Camilletti handled the matter on behalf of the government and the case was investigated by the West Virginia State Police. U.S. District Court Judge Gina M. Groh presided.

U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld urges anyone with information regarding public corruption in their community to call the West Virginia Public Corruption Hotline at 855-WVA-FEDS (1-855-982-3337), or to send an email to wvafeds@usdoj.gov.