U.S. Attorney Damian Williams | U.S. Department of Justice
Edward Y. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, has announced that Robert Piaro, treasurer of several political action committees (PACs), has pleaded guilty to telemarketing wire fraud. The charges stem from a scheme in which Piaro defrauded donors through false and misleading statements regarding the use of their contributions. The plea was entered before U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian.
"Robert Piaro deceived hundreds of thousands of donors through false statements and misrepresentations about how contributions to his PACs would be spent," stated Acting U.S. Attorney Edward Y. Kim. "Piaro’s fraudulent actions not only undermined the trust of donors but also exploited their interest in supporting certain causes for his own personal gain."
The indictment and court filings reveal that from 2017 to December 2022, Piaro served as treasurer and operator for four PACs: Americans for the Cure of Breast Cancer, the Association for Emergency Responders & Firefighters, the US Veterans Assistance Foundation, and Standing By Veterans. He raised millions nationwide by falsely claiming donations would support specific legislation, educate lawmakers, or fund research—claims he did not intend to fulfill.
Individuals who believe they are victims can contact USANYS.PACFraud@usdoj.gov or reach out to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or tips.fbi.gov.
Piaro, aged 74 from Fredonia, Wisconsin, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud related to telemarketing. This charge carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison; however, sentencing will ultimately be determined by Judge Subramanian on April 14, 2025.
Mr. Williams commended the FBI's investigative efforts in this case. The prosecution is being managed by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rebecca T. Dell and Jane Kim from the Office’s Public Corruption Unit.
