St. Louis, MO - Charles Hicks, Fenton, Missouri, was indicted Wednesday afternoon on mail fraud charges in connection with a fraud and embezzlement scheme that spanned three years and involved two employers.
According to the indictment, Hicks submitted false invoices to his ex-employers, RockTenn and MarChem, both with offices in St. Louis County, for equipment not delivered and services not rendered. The invoices were payable to two shell companies created and controlled by Hicks.
If convicted, Hicks faces up to 20 years imprisonment and/or a fine of $250,000. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges. Restitution to the victims is also mandatory.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Tom Albus is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
As is always the case, charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
