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Kentucky Carrier Owners Convicted of Fraud

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On March 18, 2016, Elliot Campbell and his wife Melinda Campbell were convicted after a jury trial in U.S. District Court, London, KY, and found guilty on charges related to their control and participation in a complex motor carrier fraud scheme. Elliot and Melinda Campbell were the owners of several trucking companies operating out of Catts Auto Sales in Chavies, KY.

“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 alleged 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 jury found Elliot Campbell guilty of six counts of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act extortion. The jury found Melinda Campbell guilty of five counts of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act extortion.

In June 2015, Bryan Napier, a dispatcher for the Campbells’ trucking companies, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

 

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