Press Release
Omaha Woman Sentenced for Wire Fraud
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Nebraska
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that on April 1, 2016, Patricia Walker-Halstead of Omaha, Nebraska, age 70, was sentenced for wire fraud. The Honorable Joseph F. Bataillon, Senior United States District Court Judge, sentenced Walker-Halstead to a term of twelve (12) months and one (1) day imprisonment. After her release from prison, Walker-Halstead will begin a term of supervised release of 2 years. Walker-Halstead was also ordered to make restitution in the amount of $500,000.
An investigation conducted by the United States Secret Service and the Nebraska State Patrol determined that from March, 2011, and continuing through November, 2012, Walker-Halstead transmitted false and fraudulent email communications as part of a scheme to obtain money. During this time period Walker-Halstead operated a private investigation company named Walker Investigations. The scheme arose out of Walker-Halstead’s professional relationship with a client who hired Walker Investigations to provide investigative work to the client.
Between March, 2011, and continuing through November, 2012, Walker-Halstead sent email communication to the client which appeared as though they were sent from an Investigator named “Scott.” Walker-Halstead represented to the client that “Scott” worked for the Nebraska State Patrol and was assisting with investigative work being performed by Walker Investigations. Emails sent by Walker-Halstead to the client suggested “Scott” was having financial troubles related to medical expenses, legal expenses, business expenses, and personal expenses and that “Scott” needed the client’s financial assistance. As a result of the emails, Walker-Halstead obtained $500,000 in numerous payments which she represented was then given to “Scott” to assist with his financial needs. Investigators confirmed “Scott” was a person made up by Walker-Halstead and who has never existed. Money received by Walker-Halstead for the purported benefit of “Scott” was used by Walker-Halstead for her personal benefit.
The Court determined that the loss amount relating to the scheme totaled $500,000.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Nebraska State Patrol.
Updated April 8, 2016
Topic
Financial Fraud
Component