According to a press release from the Office of the Inspector General, two dispatchers and one business owner have been indicted in the U.S. District Court of London, Kentucky on charges of wire fraud, conspiracy, and extortion.
“On September 24, 2014, Elliot and Melinda Campbell, owners, and Brian Napier, dispatcher, all of whom are associated with several trucking companies operating out of Catts Auto Sales, Chavies, Kentucky, were indicted,” OIG states.
The indictment alleges that between October 8, 2010, and February 7, 2012, Napier and the Campbells conspired to defraud shipping brokers by agreeing to haul brokered cargo for a specified price, then held the cargo and demanded a payment before making the delivery, effectively holding the cargo hostage.
After the shipping brokers filed complaints, the parties allegedly created new trucking companies, used fraudulent names and “continued their scheme.” the OIG press release states.
In addition, the OIG alleges the parties did not reveal their associated companies to the FMCSA, which is a requirement when applying for new operating authority with the FMCSA.
The FBI is assisting the FMCSA in the investigation.
Note: Indictments, informations, and criminal complaints are only accusations by the Government. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.