A Syracuse man faces federal charges for allegedly filing multiple false bankruptcy petitions across nine states, including one targeting a Cayuga County Supreme Court judge.
Robert Johnson, 41, is accused of making false declarations in bankruptcy, committing bankruptcy fraud, and falsifying bankruptcy records in Michigan, Mississippi, Iowa, Florida, New York, Montana, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and West Virginia. According to a criminal complaint, Johnson filed petitions claiming that the Cayuga County Supreme Court judge was a stockbroker involved in Ponzi schemes and owed him $99,999,999. Other petitions named a law enforcement official and an Onondaga County state court judge, also falsely alleging financial crimes and large debts.
The FBI investigated and determined the claims were false. The petitions were reportedly mailed from Syracuse. Johnson is also accused of filing a petition in West Virginia falsely claiming a Syracuse-based non-profit was involved in environmental hazards, money laundering, and Ponzi schemes.
Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III called the filings “a form of financial terrorism” that wreaked havoc on the victims, including public officials and a respected non-profit. FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli noted the swift investigation and arrest.
Johnson appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and was detained pending further proceedings. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.
The FBI is investigating the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Brown is prosecuting. The charges are accusations, and Johnson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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