Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York | Department of Justice
A Florida man has been convicted of mail fraud after running a mass-mailing scam that targeted small businesses across the United States. Robert W. Lederhilger III was found guilty on September 15, 2025, following a one-week jury trial before U.S. District Judge Andrew L. Carter in the Southern District of New York.
According to federal prosecutors, Lederhilger operated companies beginning in 2015 that claimed to offer webhosting services. Over more than seven years, he mailed over three million documents resembling invoices for webhosting services to small businesses nationwide. Many recipients already had their own websites and were led to believe they owed payment for continued service.
Victims who paid received no actual service, only another renewal bill a year later requesting additional payment. Authorities estimate that between 2015 and 2021, Lederhilger collected at least $2.99 million through this scheme.
“Robert W. Lederhilger III defrauded tens of thousands of small businesses over the course of more than seven years,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton for the Southern District of New York. “Lederhilger mailed fake bills for webhosting services to businesses across the country and collected payments from victims without providing them with webhosting—or any other service. This federal criminal conviction demonstrates that New Yorkers will not tolerate fraud and want those who victimize the public through lies held accountable.”
Lederhilger, age 44 and from Bradenton, Florida, was convicted on one count of mail fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison as set by Congress; sentencing will be determined by the judge.
U.S. Attorney Clayton acknowledged the investigative efforts of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in this case.
The prosecution is being managed by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Camille L. Fletcher, Getzel Berger, Kevin Grossinger, and Daniel G. Nessim from the General Crimes Unit, with support from Paralegal Specialists Christopher Harris and Alexandra LeBaron.
