Richard Villanueva Mitchell, a 54-year-old resident of Midvale, Utah, has been sentenced to two years of probation for crimes related to bankruptcy fraud. The sentencing was delivered by U.S. District Court Judge Jill N. Parrish in Salt Lake City. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah had recommended a more severe sentence of 48 months' imprisonment followed by supervised release after Mitchell was found guilty by a federal jury in August 2024.
Mitchell's fraudulent activities date back to May 2017 when he filed for bankruptcy, claiming over $600,000 in debts and declaring minimal assets. However, investigations revealed that he owned several storage trailers containing hundreds of new household appliances worth approximately $500,000 at a storage facility. These included dishwashers, refrigerators, washers, dryers, and ranges—items he had borrowed money to purchase with the intention of concealing them from the bankruptcy court for personal gain.
Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti stated: “Mr. Mitchell attempted to selfishly deprive the bankruptcy system established for honest debtors seeking relief in a financial crisis.” He praised law enforcement and prosecutors for gathering strong evidence leading to Mitchell's conviction.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office. Assistant United States Attorney Brent L. Andrus and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Kuhn prosecuted the case on behalf of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah.
