A former engineering manager at a manufacturing company in Savannah, Georgia, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for wire fraud after embezzling nearly $500,000 from his employer.
John Laakso, also known as John Trebesch, age 57, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. On December 2, 2025, Chief Judge R. Stan Baker of the Southern District of Georgia sentenced Laakso to 96 months of imprisonment.
According to court documents and testimony, Laakso used his position as an engineering manager to direct contracts to companies he secretly controlled. He billed his employer for goods and services that were either not provided or were charged at fraudulent rates.
U.S. Attorney Margaret E. Heap commented on the case: “Our business partners in this District are the bedrock of our community. The U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of Georgia will continue to ensure that those who abuse trust for personal gain will face justice, and that our community will be protected.”
FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown stated: “John Laakso betrayed his employer and fellow employees in this secretive and organized effort. Anyone who steals funds and unlawfully profits at the expense of others will be held accountable.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Darron J. Hubbard and Bradford C. Patrick prosecuted the case.
For further information, contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (912) 652-4422.
