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PHOENIX, AZ---A federal grand jury has returned a 34-count indictment against Phoenix attorney James Joseph Everett, 51, of Paradise Valley for false declarations in bankruptcy proceedings, bankruptcy fraud, and money laundering.
U.S. Attorney Paul K. Charlton said, "Bankruptcy fraud is not a victim-less offense.
Bankruptcy fraud harms all of us as consumers. It is something we will all pay for in the end."
The indictment alleges that, in 2002, Everett made numerous material false declarations in his Chapter 7 bankruptcy filings designed to conceal approximately $500,000 in assets and income from the U.S. Bankruptcy Trustee. The indictment further alleges that the attorney used more than $300,000 in concealed assets to purchase a house in Paradise Valley.
A conviction for false declarations in bankruptcy proceedings and bankruptcy fraud carries a maximum penalty of 5 years, a $250,000 fine or both. A conviction for money laundering carries a maximum penalty of 20 years, a $500,000 fine or both. In determining an actual sentence, Judge Teilborg will consult the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide appropriate sentencing ranges. The judge, however, is not bound by those guidelines in determining a sentence. 8-31-06
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© 2006 North
Country Gazette
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