Accomplice sentenced in check fraud scheme
An Illinois man got just over four years – or 51 months – Thursday after admitting he was an accomplice in a $3.3 million check fraud scheme.
Scott O. Vue, 47, of Dixon, Illinois, pleaded guilty before Judge Philip Simon in the U.S. District Court in Hammond in July to Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud.
Vue helped alleged ringleader Oliver Coverson by opening up various fraudulent accounts where stolen business checks were deposited, Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Heater wrote in court filings. His involvement lasted from October 2019 to December 2020.
Fictitious corporations were registered with the Indiana and Illinois Secretaries of State by Coverson and his six co-conspirators. The indictment details an elaborate scheme of checks from legitimate businesses being stolen, then made out to one of the fraudulent businesses and bouncing through various accounts when the co-conspirators made a series of withdrawals and deposits.
Vue’s accounts held $2.3 million; all but $320,000 was recovered. He also brought in his then-girlfriend Anjelica Brockman, who opened accounts where $1.7 million was deposited.
Defense lawyer James Thiros wrote Vue wasn’t the mastermind, and didn’t steal the checks from the U.S. Postal Service or alter them.
Vue will serve another two years on supervised release after prison and was ordered to pay restitution to the banks.
Coverson got four years in prison, with two more years on probation in May. Brockman is scheduled for sentencing next month.
Gary man signs plea for 2017 robbery
A Gary man faces up to eight years for a 2017 robbery and later incident where he broke a broomstick and threatened another jail inmate.
David Washington, 41, pleaded guilty Tuesday to burglary and prisoner possessing a dangerous device or material.
Judge Natalie Bokota would have to accept the plea.
His sentencing date is April 15.
Court records show Washington admitted to breaking into a couple’s home on the 6700 block of Indi Illi Parkway in Hammond on Oct. 11, 2017, and stole jewelry, wallets, phones, a purse and other items from their bedroom.
The jail incident happened in July.
Post-Tribune archives contributed.
mcolias@post-trib.com
