St. Croix, USVI - After a five-day trial, on Sept. 30, 2016, a federal jury on St. Croix convicted Lt. Col. Kenneth Alleyne, of wire fraud, theft of government money, and making a false statement to the government, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
Alleyne faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for each of the 42 wire fraud counts; 10 years in prison for the theft of government money count; and five years in prison for the false statement count. District Court Chief Judge Wilma A. Lewis permitted Alleyne to remain on release pending sentencing. No sentencing date has been set.
Evidence presented at trial established that from on or about May 1, 2010, to on or about Feb. 28, 2012, on St. Croix, Alleyne, knowingly devised a scheme to unlawfully use his Overseas Housing Allowance to obtain government money, by means of wire, that he was not entitled to receive.
“No one, regardless of rank, is above the law," United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe said. “Lt. Col. Alleyne now faces a federal prison sentence, discharge from the military, and a loss of benefits. This should serve as a deterrent to others who might be tempted to game the system for their own benefit."
The case was investigated by the U.S. Army CID - Major Procurement Fraud Unit. “Today’s outcome is a true testament to holding those accountable, regardless of rank or position, to the highest standard expected of all of our soldiers and civilians," Frank Robey, director of the Major Procurement Fraud Unit, said. “We will continue our steadfast commitment to weeding out those who attempt to defraud the Army."
The case was prosecuted by Christian A. Fisanick, Assistant U.S. Attorney and Criminal Division Chief, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna A. Vlasova.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
