TYLER, Texas - A 47-year-old Longview, Texas man has been sentenced to federal prison for violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.
James Leroy Frattarola pleaded guilty on Mar. 5, 2014, to possessing counterfeit silver bars with the intent to defraud another and was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Michael H. Schneider.
According to information presented in court, on Sep. 13, 2013, Frattarola possessed approximately 90 one-ounce silver bars, stamped with the impression, “.999 FINE SILVER" and “NORTHWEST TERRITORIAL MINT" with intent to defraud another. Frattarola admitted to possessing the counterfeit bars in Longview, Texas and to engaging in similar criminal conduct on other occasions involving a total of nine victims. Frattarola was indicted by a federal grand jury on Oct. 23, 2013.
Frattarola was also ordered to pay a total of $28,720.40 in restitution to be divided among nine victims.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, Longview Police Department, Kingsville Police Department, Terrell Police Department, Grand Prairie Police Department, and the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Noble. ####
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
