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Press Release

Bluffton Woman Sentenced to 60 Months Imprisonment for Bank Fraud

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Lecelle Montgomery, age 71, of Bluffton, was sentenced in federal court in Charleston for one count of Bank Fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1344(2).  United States District Judge Richard Gergel, of Charleston, sentenced Montgomery to 60 months imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release and mandatory restitution. 

Evidence presented at the change of plea and sentencing hearing established that beginning in 2008 and continuing up to late 2012, Montgomery offered the victims her services as a financial adviser and purposely withheld the fact that she was disbarred by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).  Ultimately, the victims sent Montgomery a combined total of $1,119,440.75 in order to be invested.  Instead, the evidence showed that Montgomery used the victims’ money for personal expenditures including gambling at various casinos. 

The case was investigated by the FBI.  Assistant United States Attorney Matt Austin of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.

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Contact

Lance Crick (864) 282-2105

Updated April 11, 2018

Topic
Financial Fraud