Wisconsin Man to Face Jail for Wire Fraud in Trucking

Robert Carter of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, was convicted of wire fraud in trucking and trying to obtain semi-trucks fraudulently. He will be sentenced in October.

Wisconsin Business Owner Convicted of Wire Fraud in Trucking Lease Scheme

Eau Claire Man Lies to Get Semi-Trucks

Robert Carter, a 45-year-old man from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, has been found guilty of wire fraud in trucking. He tried to cheat companies to get semi-trucks for his business. The jury decided he was guilty after a two-day trial in Madison. The jury took just over an hour to reach their decision. This news comes from Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin.

How Carter Cheated

Between April 22, 2020, and January 25, 2021, Carter lied and gave fake documents to companies that lease and sell semi-trucks. He wanted to get these trucks for his business, Carter Transportation Group. He provided false financial statements and a fake wire transfer receipt. Carter also lied about having a multi-million-dollar trust.

Quick Jury Decision

The jury took only about an hour to find Carter guilty. This shows how strong the evidence was against him. It also shows how serious the crime is in the trucking industry, which depends on trust and honesty.

Sentencing Scheduled

U.S. District Judge William M. Conley will sentence Carter on October 17, 2024. Carter could face up to 20 years in federal prison for each fraud charge. This long sentence shows how serious his crimes were and serves as a warning to others.

Investigative Efforts

The IRS Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) looked into Carter’s actions. The Office of the U.S. Trustee for the Western District of Wisconsin also helped. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chad Elgersma and Megan Stelljes prosecuted the case.

Impact on the Trucking Industry

This case reminds us how important it is to be honest in business, especially in the trucking industry. Cheating to get trucks not only hurts leasing companies but also affects honest businesses that need these trucks.

Looking Ahead

Robert Carter’s conviction is a big win for federal authorities. They are working hard to stop fraud in the trucking industry. As Carter waits for his sentence, this case shows that fraud will be punished. This should make others think twice before trying to cheat.