A San Jose resident, Johnny Q. Nguyen, 49, was arrested following an indictment from the Western District of Washington for allegedly defrauding thousands of businesses and charities through deceptive mailings. Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller announced that Nguyen faces charges in an eleven-count indictment, including multiple counts of mail fraud and money laundering. The indictment was issued on May 28, 2025, and Nguyen is set to appear in U.S. District Court in the Northern District of California today.
The indictment claims that in the fall of 2024, Nguyen sent fraudulent billing statements on fake government letterhead to numerous entities. These letters instructed recipients to send checks to a post office box he rented in Olympia, Washington, under the guise of paying registration and filing fees for their businesses. He established a limited liability company named “Business Entities” and persuaded victims to make checks payable to this entity.
Thousands from Washington and California responded by sending checks, cashier’s checks, and money orders. Investigators report that Nguyen deposited approximately 350 checks from Washington victims totaling $82,210 and cashed 60 from California victims amounting to $8,640. Authorities also seized an additional 1,711 pieces of mail containing checks and money orders worth $395,295.
Nguyen faces charges related to three types of money laundering: concealment by depositing funds into accounts he controlled; promotion due to using deposits to further his scheme; and spending through personal use transfers.
The indictment seeks forfeiture of $90,851 that Nguyen allegedly gained from his activities.
Mail fraud and money laundering carry potential penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment each.
It is important to note that these charges are allegations at this stage. A person remains innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
Nguyen's next appearance is scheduled for July 1, 2025, in the Western District of Washington.
Authorities remind individuals receiving communications claiming government agency originations should verify sources by contacting agencies directly via publicly available phone numbers found on official websites.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) is leading the investigation with Assistant United States Attorney Jehiel Baer prosecuting the case.
