An Atlanta man has been arrested on charges of wire fraud following allegations that he accepted payments for travel services he did not provide. The case involves Maurice Eugene Smith, 44, and a planned international trip for George Mason University’s (GMU) men’s basketball team to the Bahamas.

According to court documents, discussions began in June 2023 between GMU representatives and a company identified as Company A. This company was tasked with organizing the trip and subsequently contacted Smith through his business, Eugene Toriko LLC. Smith allegedly provided an estimated cost of $149,542.40 for transportation, hotel accommodations, activities, and some meals for 30 people.

In early 2024, Company A presented a detailed itinerary to GMU based on information from Smith. On February 26, Smith allegedly sent another draft invoice totaling $164,336. Throughout this period, Company A communicated the details of the trip's cost and itinerary to GMU based on Smith's input.

A contract was signed digitally by representatives from GMU, the George Mason University Foundation (GMUF), and Company A on April 3. Subsequently, deposits were made by GMUF to Company A's bank account totaling over $100,000. Despite these transactions and additional payments from family members and supporters of the team for accompanying them on their trip, it is alleged that no reservations or payments were made by Smith for flights or hotel rooms.

The complaint states that although Eugene Toriko LLC received $109,756.07 from Company A, no funds were used to secure any part of the trip arrangements including flights or accommodations at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in the Bahamas.

Despite failing to pay for these services, it is alleged that Smith continued communicating with Company A about logistical details until just days before the scheduled departure in August.

Currently charged with wire fraud, if convicted Smith could face up to 20 years in prison. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge after considering various factors.

The announcement was made by Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; David E. Geist from FBI Washington Field Office; with Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Rumbaugh prosecuting.

Further information can be found on official websites related to this case under Case No. 1:24-mj-485.