Houston Man Convicted of Wire Fraud

VICTORIA, Texas – A 56-year-old Houston man employed at the Alcoa Operations Plant in Point Comfort has been convicted of wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson.

Jack Kennedy was employed in the machine shop tool room at the plant. In his position, Kennedy was responsible for inventorying and ordering parts, tools and supplies used by Alcoa employees. Kennedy ordered and stole large quantities of expensive small parts, tools and supplies.

Authorities learned that Kennedy was selling the stolen tools to an individual in New York. Kennedy would email and fax the buyer in New York a list of tools available for purchase. Once Kennedy accepted the offer from the New York buyer, he would mail the tools via the United Parcel Service. The buyer would then mail a check to Kennedy’s home in Texas.

U.S. Magistrate Judge B. Janice Ellington accepted the guilty plea today. U.S. Circuit Judge Gregg Costa, sitting by designation, will sentence Kennedy Sept. 16, 2016. At that time, Kennedy faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

He was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing.

The FBI initiated the investigation in March 2012. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hugo R. Martinez is prosecuting the case.