Spencerport Man Pleads Guilty To Fraud Charges

CONTACT:    Barbara Burns     
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ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Matthew Lavilla, of Spencerport, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci to engaging in financial transactions with proceeds from a fraud scheme. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley E. Tyler, who handled the case, stated that in June 2007, the became aware that the Xerox Corporation had been defrauded by Clarkson Auto Electric, a company that he was a part owner of, and Anthony Fretto, a co-defendant in the case, and also an owner of Clarkson Auto Electric. Despite that knowledge, Lavilla engaged in financial transactions with proceeds of the fraud.

Lavilla was indicted along with nine other defendants, all have been convicted.

“Today’s conviction concludes the Government’s investigation into a group of men who sought to defraud one of our area’s most venerated companies,” said U.S. Attorney Hochul. “The fact that the scheme was perpetrated by business associates as well as corporate insiders should serve as a warning to all businesses. The saying ‘trust, but by all means verify’ is a good rule to keep in mind when it comes to the business world. “

The plea is the culmination of a joint investigation on the part of the Internal Revenue Service, under the direction of Shantelle P. Kitchen, Special Agent in Charge, New York Field Office, and the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Shelly Binkowski, Inspector in Charge, Boston Division, United States Postal Inspection Service.