Nicaraguan Authorities Collaborate with US Agencies to Expel American Suspect Wanted for Financial Fraud

# Nicaraguan Authorities Collaborate with US Agencies to Expel American Suspect Wanted for Financial Fraud

## May 15, 2013 - Tampa, FL, United States

Nicaraguan authorities have assisted in the expulsion of an American citizen, Lawrence S. Hartman, wanted in the United States for investment fraud and money laundering charges.

## Hartman's Arrest and Extradition

- Hartman, 47, was arrested on an immigration violation when he attempted to enter Nicaragua from Costa Rica.
- Subsequently, he was turned over to US authorities upon his arrival in Miami.

## Combined International Efforts

- The apprehension and expulsion of Hartman were the result of the coordinated efforts of several international agencies.
- Agencies involved include:
  - US Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
  - US Secret Service
  - US Department of State Bureau of Diplomatic Service
  - US Embassy in Managua
  - Interpol Washington
  - Nicaraguan National Police

## Hartman's Accusations and Charges

- Hartman, a former lawyer in New York and Florida, is currently facing multiple charges in the US.
- He is accused of playing a key role in an international investment fraud and money laundering scheme that led to victim-investor losses of over $137 million.
- Charges include:
  - Mail fraud
  - Wire fraud
  - Money laundering
  - Conspiracy to commit these offenses

## Hartman's Co-Defendants and their Sentencings

- Four of Hartman's co-defendants have already been found guilty of the fraud scheme.
- Their sentences and penalties include:
  - Paul R. Gunter (64, Odessa): Indicted on three counts of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering; 19 counts of mail and wire fraud; 14 counts of money laundering. Facing a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each conspiracy charge, 19 counts of mail and wire fraud, and 14 counts of money laundering. Sentencing on July 23.
  - Simon Andrew Odoni (56, United Kingdom): Indicted on three counts of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering; 19 counts of mail and wire fraud; 14 counts of money laundering. Facing a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each conspiracy charge, 19 counts of mail and wire fraud, and 10 years in prison on each money laundering charge. Sentencing on July 23.
- Co-defendant Richard Sinclair Pope pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud in 2012. Facing a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

## Related Trial and Seizure

- Houston lawyers Roger Lee Shoss and Nicolette Loisel were convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud due to their involvement in the corporate identity theft aspect of the scheme.
- Contributions from numerous international agencies – including HSI Tampa and the US Secret Service's Tampa and Newark, N.J offices – were instrumental in the investigation.

## Investigation's Impact

- Nearly $5 million in US currency was seized by federal agents as part of the ongoing investigation.