When facing conspiracy to commit wire fraud charges, having a skilled criminal defense team on your side is crucial. These charges are serious federal offenses that can result in significant penalties, including substantial prison time and hefty fines.

The knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys at the Lento Law Firm will ensure you understand the nature of these charges and help you develop a strategic defense that will bring about the best possible outcome. Call 888-535-3686 today or schedule a consultation online.

Embezzlement Schemes and Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud

In December 2024, a former assistant dean at Seton Hall University School of Law, Teresina DeAlmeida, was sentenced to 36 months in prison for her involvement in a significant embezzlement scheme after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Apparently, the embezzlement scheme defrauded Seton Hall University of over $1.3 million between 2009 and 2022.

According to court documents, DeAlmeida and her co-conspirators, Rose Martins and Silvia Cardoso, conspired to deceptively pocket more than $1.3 million from the University. DeAlmeida's primary role as assistant dean was overseeing the law school's financial functions, and in one instance, she and her co-conspirators misused her school-issued credit card to buy thousands of dollars worth of gift cards and prepaid debit cards from the school bookstore.

To prove a defendant like DeAlmeida and her co-conspirators committed conspiracy to commit wire fraud, the prosecution must show beyond a reasonable doubt that:

1. There was an agreement between two or more individuals to commit wire fraud.
2. They intended to defraud.
3. There was an overt act taken in furtherance of the conspiracy.

If they cannot, the defendant cannot be found guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

How the Lento Law Firm Criminal Law Team Can Help

The Lento Law Firm Criminal Law Team effectively defends against white-collar crimes like embezzlement by employing several proven strategies, such as:

• Challenging the prosecution's case: The Lento Law Firm will scrutinize the financial records and evidence presented by the prosecution, questioning their validity and accuracy.
• Demonstrating lack of intent: A key defense tactic is showing that any financial discrepancies were due to honest mistakes rather than intentional fraud.
• Exploring alternative defenses: The Criminal Defense Team at Lento Law Firm will also investigate whether the statute of limitations had expired on some of the earlier alleged fraudulent activities and examine whether there was any coercion or pressure from superiors or colleagues.
• Building a strong defense strategy: The firm will assemble an experienced legal team, potentially including financial experts, to conduct a thorough evaluation of the prosecution's case.

Moreover, the Lento Law Firm Criminal Law Team emphasizes treating each case uniquely. In a high-profile case like the Seton Hall embezzlement, this personalized attention could be vital in understanding the specific circumstances and developing a tailored defense strategy. Then, if the evidence against the defendant is overwhelming, the Lento Law Firm would leverage its experience to negotiate a favorable plea deal, including reducing charges or sentencing.

If you or someone you know has been accused of a white-collar crime like embezzlement, the Lento Law Firm can help. Call 888-535-3686 for help today, or schedule a consultation online.