Colorado man faces federal charges for payroll fraud and identity theft

Webp 0b8q360gkwjv5shunnirm2y0ogis

Colorado man faces federal charges for payroll fraud and identity theft

ORGANIZATIONS IN THIS STORY

J. Bishop Grewell Acting United States Attorney for the District of Colorado | U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado

A Colorado man, Julio Melendez, has been indicted on multiple charges including ten counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and two counts of aggravated identity theft. The indictment was issued by a federal grand jury in the District of Colorado, as announced by the United States Attorney's Office.

The indictment reveals that Melendez, while serving as a project manager, orchestrated a payroll fraud scheme against his employer, a Maryland-based company specializing in maintenance and construction services for federal government agencies. The fraudulent activities reportedly took place between March and November 2020.

Melendez allegedly conspired with his subordinates to falsify timesheets during his tenure, managing and approving time records and ensuring tasks were completed. By falsifying time records, employees received payment for hours not worked, subsequently giving a portion of these unearned wages to Melendez. This scheme led to the company paying approximately $82,000 for services not rendered.

The Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of the Treasury is conducting the investigation, whereas Assistant United States Attorney Tim Neff will handle the prosecution.

The indictment charges are currently allegations, and Melendez is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Case Number: 25-cr-00103-RMR

ORGANIZATIONS IN THIS STORY